Rewatched Holyfield-Tyson I

not afraid, just fusturated. this comes from relying too much on power. tyson had noting to fall back on. his plan a, was his plan b and his plab was his plan c, just keep attakcing. it happens to alot of other punchers like foreman, trinidad, etc. foreman actually said once the ko power is a gift and a curse because you focus on it so much and rely on it, that you focus less on other things.

 

A match between the two in 1991 would've been a closer fight. I'm not sure if Tyson really injured his ribs or that was an excuse as he wasn't ready to fight with the trial coming up, but assuming Tyson was healthy, it would've been a better fight.

In Tyson's favor, he was obviously better pre-prison, and went to the body more. He destroyed Ruddock's body. I've seen Holyfield doubled over and hurt by body shots numerous times. No one likes it to the body, I'm not sure if I'd say it's a weak spot for him, but I'll just say Holyfield is no Ali when it comes to taking body punches. Holyfield was smaller then, not as strong, less experienced against bigger guys (3 Bowe fights), and more brawl-happy. Holyfield fought in a more controlled manner in 96', picking his spots, holding, and stated afterwards that the Bowe fights (especially the TKO loss in 95') taught him to be more controlled.

Then again, Holyfield might've just raised his game if he'd fought Tyson in 91' and had an effective game-plan. He was quicker, fresher, lighter on his toes, and had a better workrate in 91'. Duva was no idiot and would employ a strategy for Evander which probably involved a more controlled aggression. Holyfield picked his spots against the biggest puncher he had faced before Tyson (Foreman), so he might done the same against Tyson.

 

even the 91' tyson version was flawed. holyfield was more of a brawler back then but he showed the ability adapt like in the second bowe fight were he boxed mroe instead of going toe to toe with bowe. holyfield could still outbox tyson even in 91' and get a decison. tyson of 88' has the best shot at beating holyfield as that was the apex of tyson's career

 

Yeah, Tyson was showing more flaws by 91'. Everyone has some flaws but Tyson actually got quite a bit of criticism for his performances in both Ruddock fights. Boxing Illustrated, The Ring, Sports Illustrated all had covers or articles talking about him slipping.

While Rooney wasn't some great trainer I do agree to some extent that firing Rooney was a factor in his decline. It was a chemistry thing, Rooney was the right trainer for Tyson.

 

Holyfield showed great headbutting skills in this fight.

 

of course, mainly because rooney was the last link to cus d'mato. d'mato always taught tyson, paitent agressiveness. to let the knockouts come. but instead, he turned into a guy rushing to get early koes and got almost killed against douglass and the rest is history