I feeel Tyson was definately a bigger single shot puncher when he left prison, but possibly because he had to be. He no longer had his combination punching or his head movement and his speed was dulled. In other words he landed less so he had to make those shots count more. He became very power happy and I guess complacent because he felt that as long as he landed with a big shot he'd get the job done. It's a mistake that many big punchers have made over the years, but especially in the last 30 years.
It's really hard to tell if he punched harder after his prison stay or not, I think both sides can be argued really. After jail he delivered his punches less accurately, and with less speed, and not really setting up his signature hook, like he used to. Now the Tyson that came out of jail was bigger and looked to be more stronger, he also would load up his hooks more, so they probably appeared more powerful to some people, in the end I really dont know, but I think we could all agree he was a better, more fluid puncher in the 80's.
Good point, it is really hard to be sure either way. My own personal opinion was that he probably was, but not by a significant amount. We are agreed that he was a far more effective puncher when he was putting his combinations together in the late 80s. What a fighter he was with those combos and his speed and head movement.
I think Tyson said it best, when he said " There will never be another fighter like me, you kids, kids are going to know who I'am", I think he's right, guys like Lewis will be remembered as a great, but Tyson will be looked at as a legend, as we all know, Legends never die or fade out.
80's tyson>after prison tyson. before prison, tyson was a technical boxer. after prison, tyson was a HEAD HUNTER.