Mike Tyson on his release from prison in 1995 after serving 4yrs for ****. was a Shot' Fighter"... Tyson had nothing left only bravado and intimidation. McNeeley, Mathis Jr. Bruno & Seldon all quit due to fear and intimidation. Evander Holyfield, himself years past his best but unafraid or intimidated by Tyson, had very little in front of him, in their November 1996 bout in Las Vegas. Yet credit must go to Mike Tyson, for his incredible toughness and durability. For the beating he took for 7rds from Holyfield, even tho it was clear he had nothing left after 4rds. The remainder of Mike Tyson's career fights were "freak-shows" against low-level fighters, hand-picked for harmlessness. in mid 2002 Lennox Lewis agreed to fight Tyson, knowing that Mike was addicted to Anti-Depressants, Alcohol, Cocaine & Cannabis. With Tyson only able to put up 20-30 seconds worth of fighting, then soaked up his beating for 8 rounds so as to guarantee he was worthy to lift his pay check. A first round, one-punch KO of one Clifford Etienne, followed by two more "Zombie-Beatings" from mediocre Class C fighters, before Mike Tyson hung up his gloves forever, after 20 years as a pro fessional prize fighter.
I wouldn't say he was shot, but a change in styles was apparent. He replaced his intelligent aggression and technical proficiency with a more wild and physical style. I can't say I've seen Tyson push and maul guys around the ring in the 80s like he did in the 90s.
He was semi-shot. He still had power. But his timing was gone, his defense was gone and his stamina was gone. Tyson was an alcoholic and drug abuser almost as soon as he was released. His passion for the sport which once burned brightly was gone. Mcneely was a waste of a fight a farce by Don King. Mathis tried but couldn't crack an egg another King farce that he put on free tv. Bruno was terrified which was sad since he was game the first time they fought. Plus Bruno had lead legs he couldn't slug with Mike. Seldom took a self imposed dive. Scared to death. Shame again because he had athleticism. Holyfield exposed Tyson twice. Because Holyfield himself was in decline but he he came in shape, and believing in himself. Add that he was stronger and Mike folded twice. Then Botha a B level fighter was embarrassing Mike until he got caught. By that time it was evident. Tyson was shot, a brawler with a decent chin, decent punch and poor stamina.
Like any athlete years on inactivity don't have a positive effect. Post prison he was not the same fighter. His EDGE was gone.
And it wasn't just inactivity. It was prison. Doing a 4 year bid will do some debilitating things to anyone.
McNeeley - Holyfield 2 he had faded significantly from his prime but still fast and powerful From the Botha fight onwards he was a shot shadow of his former self The McBride fight was just sad
Maybe he was just never the same after his first loss, but we didn't have time to find out. I still think he had quite a bit to offer. The guy was still under 30 and had avoided some years of wear and tear. He wasn't "shot" as such.
Never the same after Spinks. Past prime post prison. Faded pretty badly post Holyfield. Shot to shat 2000 and onwards.
He wasn't shot physically, just a shell of the man that ruled the HW division in the mid 80's. The punching power was there, but that's about it.
He was never ever going to be the same mentally once he got whupped. That aura, like with Foreman, was gone.
This is true if we're being honest to the term. I think he was shot relatively speaking to how far he was removed from the peak version of himself.
