I always liked watching the Cowboy fight when he showed up motivated. He certainly had skills, good tools... He ran into some real monsters, guys like Witherspoon, prime Pinky, even Coetzee. But then he lost to B and C level dudes, too. What prevented him from really reaching that top contender, or even belt holder status?
I read he was allergic to eggs which affected his stamina in fights. Who knows if or when he stopped eating them. But he lost almost every time he stepped up . I’m thinking at the end of the day he just topped out at fringe level
Tillis was allergic to milk and eggs, which they found out prior to the Tyson fight. In the 1980"s having an allergic reaction to a food was something nobody considered. In the 80's everyone's main concern was becoming a cocaine addict. It you weren't coked up everyone figured you were good to go.
I pretty certain I read back in the day that Joe Manley also had a food allergy which effected his stamina. After losing everytime he stepped up (Harry Arroyo, Gene Hatcher and Ronnie Shields) he turned it around by flooring Howard Davis twice and outpointing him, getting a draw with future champ Gary Hinton and then coming on strong to knockout Hinton for the World title in 10 rounds. Unfortunately for Joe he was also allergic to Terry Marsh who completely destroyed him and effectively finished his career.
