Was Buster Douglas actually in better shape for Tucker than Tyson?

Maybe better shape physically, but not mentally or tactically the same. He basically gave up against Tucker while ahead comfortably.

 

He was a little bit lighter and of course a little younger. And if he prepped appropriately he should have been ready for a 15 round fight. So I’ll say, probably

 

Shape can be misleading, though. I’ve known quite a few seemingly healthy or fit people with surprisingly little stamina.

 

This.

 

It was the drive he had against Mike, due to the sad loss of his mother, who was his hero.

James would have fought 2 Mike Tyson’s that night, without being in any way intimidated.

It was all psychological.

Just in the same way, that IMHO, he’d mentally checked out against Evander.

 

I agree. On the contrary, my best ever run was at 230 pounds. Almost 30 pounds over my optimal weight.

 

Of Tyson or Evander?

 

Douglas also caught the flu while preparing for the Tyson fight, he had everything going against him so the excuses coming from the Don King Tyson camp made them not deserve an immediate rematch.

 

Douglas did not quit against Tucker. He was simply overwhelmed by the better fighter.

 

This exactly

 

Another great question.

Buster did appear to gas against Tucker and consequently drop tools but that was whilst knowing that there was still 5 + rounds to go.

The mind is a powerful thing and can take you further than your conditioning…to a degree.

Notwithstanding the KD in round 8, Buster obviously smelt the blood against Mike and went for it - but he didn’t appear to be suffering from or fighting any fatigue issues right up to the KO.

I think Buster would’ve easily have had another 2 strong rounds in him if necessary.