It seemed like every time he lost a fight he made an excuse, saying he didn't train hard. I know he did this for Douglas but he also made this excuse for the Holyfield and Lewis fights. I mean how are you not going to train hard for a rematch with Holyfield or the fight with Lewis.
"My career has been over since 1990." - Mike Tyson Tyson lost interest in being the best after he achieved that goal. We all know Tyson is "special", he needs someone strong around to stabilize him. When you're that famous, all you have around are AZZ kissers and leeches.
Yeah, I remember that interview. It went something along the lines of, "Mike. What's next for your career?" "My career? My career's been over since 1990." Sad. But true, in a way. After Cus D'amato and Kevin Rooney he was surrounded by sharks and yes-men. Men who were hired to work his corner because they were part of his and Don King's circle of cronies, not because of their knowledge or ability. Using a latex glove filled with ice to try and reduce the swelling around his eyes in the Douglas fight? He was convinced of his own immortality by the ass-kissers and propaganda artists. He felt he didn't even have to train anymore. So he didn't. He spent all his time chasing tail and living the life. "It's hard to get up at 5am and run when you're wearing silk pyjamas."
Saying you "didn't train hard" is not like giving an excuse. It is a statement of not giving his best and therefore he failed. Excuses are: weight-drained, bad-referee, bad fight terms, gloves i didn't like, socks not good etc.
I don't think there's any arguing that. Teddy Atlas, however, a notorious Tyson hater (not necessarily without good reason, given what happened) will have you believe otherwise, with claims of carefully engineered opposition and repeated statements of Tyson's mental instability, special and unfair treatment from Cus and impending mental breakdowns.
