Would Douglas ALWAYS be a problem for Tyson?

Douglas was a problem for Tyson in 1999. Here's what I noted at the time:

August 9, 1999 - NEWS - James 'Buster' Douglas, at 300 lbs., is out as Mike Tyson’s opponent October 2. Team Tyson feels it’s not enough time for Douglas to get into shape.

Bye bye rematch payday.

 

Me too. Douglas had one of the best fight plans in boxing history.

That said, Mike would have eventually won a world title even if he'd fought the 1990 Buster before Berbick in 1987. I also think even 1990 Holyfield could have beat him at any time.

 

Tyson definitely was off his game that night but he still came within a second or two of winning by a one punch KO in the eighth round so yeah Douglas if he always fought at that Tokyo level would give Mikes problems but I think Tyson at his best would win 8 or 9 times out of 10.

 

He had a perfect fight plan. And of course the skill set to carry it out.
Funny to think though, can you imagine praising Buster up like this, the day before the fight?!.
I mean, we just couldn't see it could we, Buster just didn't inspire faith in many people. Just go's to show..

 

I thought Buster would get murdered...but even at that time, I was really impressed with Holyfield and wondered if Mike would make it past him. Mostly just the way Holy fought..even then I wondered if his style would foil Mike's rushes.

 

You couldn't blame us tho for thinking that about Douglas, he'd not really shown anything like he did in Tokyo.
Fooled us all!
But yes, Holyfield did have that something special about I did think to, you could see his determination from early on.

 

He'd give Mike minor problems (e.g Tucker, Biggs, Tubbs in 1st round) & maybe do a little better than those guys, but if Douglas fought 87-88 Tyson, he'd get KO'ed in 7 while putting up a good effort. Would be one of the tougher fights for Prime Tyson

 

The Douglas, who looked sharp, relaxed and accurate from the opening bell in Tokyo, would always be a problem for Tyson.

 

This. People forget that it’s a 10 count and not a 10 second count.

 

Tyson was at his peak in terms of physical potential & skills-but not regarding actual ability then due to his lack of preperation, partying, gaining & losing much weight which is draining, & clearly did not have the same movement, fluidity & combination punching.
Of course Douglas was great at taking advantage of these things.

But it is simple math that Buster had the potential to trouble Tyson anytime, if Tyson was significantly declined-fuhgettibout the problems in his corner even in treating him between rounds, & without his best people in there-Tyson would have either beaten him either as well as other tall prime challengers, or at worst it would be a rougher fight before he prevailed.