Did Buster Douglas just have Tysons number?

Douglas was simply not going to lose that fight. His mental fortitude in Tokyo was as iron clad as any ATG and he was either going win or die trying. It certainly helped that his mother's passing gave him a boost. If Tyson is better prepared, he might make it more competitive, but at best he either takes a more prolonged beating or loses a decision.

Tyson was obviously more talented overall, but he rarely showed that do or die determination Douglas showed for 24 hours of absolute greatness. Douglas was comparable to the Frazier of the fight of the century in terms of mental strength and will to win.

The fact he had size and many physical tools to disrupt Tyson's usual style (long heavy educated jab, lateral movement, vicious uppercuts whenever Tyson got close, etc) meant Douglas would have always been a decent challenge on paper, let alone when his heart was burning like a furnace for victory. He just wasn't losing that night, period.

 

No, James didn’t have Mike’s number. It was a perfect storm of James having had a will of iron, and Mike being exhausted after a few rounds, after not having trained properly.

The fight epitomises how much a fighter’s mentality plays in the outcome of a fight.

IMHO, a rematch would have played out very different.

Mike had been embarrassed.

In a rematch, Mike would have trained like a demon and gone out to have proven a point.

He’d have been highly motivated and much fitter, with more stamina.

After Tokyo, James grieved and could never find the same fire. And that’s why he laid down for Evander before having a 6 year absence from the sport.

 

Great post.

 

Buster was at his best and used his tools, but think one part of Buster's effort has been overlooked. He ,,FOUGHT with Mike Tyson. He didn't run around flicking jabs he got into exchanges throwing combinations and came out on top and looking mentally strong. Tyson hadn't been used to anyone fighting back for a while much less wobbling him and I thought it showed Then in his next fight that Buster Douglas vanished never to be seen again.

 

No. Tyson had seriously faded and blown of Buster. Even if the story about spending the night with a room full of hookers was a contrived excuse, Tyson didn't look himself against Douglas. Not a full plummet, but not peak form.

I do think, though, that Douglas had revealed the style for beating Tyson.

I also think many people grossly exaggerate how dangerous a peak Mike Tyson was.