Too bad he fell into a hole and fame occluded his sight, he was a great boy full of energy, thats what fame and Don king did to the most feared heavyweight in his primer years
I remember sitting in the living room as a kid with my Dad and my two brothers watching boxing on ESPN one night as usual. Into the ring steps this dude that my Dad says, "damn, this guy has a neck like a linebacker!" I remember saying "he looks like a bulldog!" He mounts a flurry of giant punches and didn't back down until the guy was chopped down. We were all like, "what was that dude's name?!?!" We took note that it was MIKE TYSON. He was on some undercard and it was the first fight I know of that Mike Tyson was televised. I took note of Dad being actually impressed by this nobody and him saying, "I'd watch out for this guy to go all the way to the top." Sure enough, that's exactly what happened.
My uncle told.me about him in 1986, I was 14. He said there's this.new heavyweight out there called Tyson and he is the best fighter I have ever seen. I said what better than Ali? And he said son this kid.would punch the absolute fuck out.of Cassius Clay. This is from a guy who grew up on Ali 🥊
My dad said something similar about baseball - we were watching the Braves and saw Chipper Jones in his second year in the majors. Dad said he’ll be in the hall of fame someday - and it happened. Those old timers knew skill when they saw it.
@@inevitable48 Yeah but things like the internet weren't around back then. Things were much more word of mouth back then, and when Tyson wasn't quite a household name yet, I can easily see what the OP is talking about.
I've realised listening to him he wasn't just an ordinary boxer . he had vision and was intelligent enough to know where he was going and how to get there, he was motivated, ambitious, strategic and wise in his principles having faith in his own work ethic . extraordinary , inspiring .. destined to succeed.
@@johncosby5293 every man must make his own choices, and therefore be accountable for himself only. there will always be distractions and he stayed focused for awhile it seems but succumbed to the usual fame and fortune traps and took the Apple like the rest of them
I mean yeah he can say that, but he's still one the most physically gifted athletes of all time. I've NEVER seen a heavyweight punch with the speed, power, and ferocity that Mike Tyson punches with. Not to mention he can seemingly punch with 100% power a whole fight and not get tired. Yeah, I'm sure he trained hard and all, but he had an athleticism very few people have.
@@soilent9618 yes he had good genes and blessed with a good health, but like he said you can be talent and healthy but if you wake up and train, you won’t get anywhere so working hard and discipline is more important than talent..
It's obvious that to be elite you have to have both talent and determination. Why? Because there are people that do have both, and to be elite you have to be able to beat them.
Mike Tyson during his three year reign of terror from 1986-1989 was the Greatest Heavyweight Champion in history. He was the most frightening fighter I ever saw.
I remember back in the late 1980s when Mike got a reputation for being a devastating puncher who could knock his opponent out with either hand. His opponents were terrified of him. There was a time when the audience would wonder if any of the fighters Mike faced could ever get past the first round with him. He was that good.
I remember when he fought right after he got out of prison. It was one of the most hyped sporting events that I could remember. My moms friend bought the pay-per-view. She was pissed when the fight only lasted like 50 seconds lol.
He had the power but even more important, he used skillful fast accurate combinations. That is how he kod most guys, start off with getting his jab and distance going, getting inside quickly with combos, he was not like a lot of heavyweights that just throw one punch at a time real slow trying for one wild punch ko type deal. Tyson was fast and accurate along with the power. He was a real boxer, not a street brawler like many people think.
The one thing I always loved about early Mike was how genuinely concerned he always was for his opponents health when the fight ended. He was always there to check on them or help them up. He wasn’t out of control or full of anger he was just a kid out there doing his thing.
His trainers were his mentors. Excellent role models. Cus basically adopted Mike and definitely set the tone for Teddy Atlas. Mike may have been a badass, but he was shown kindness and knew how to show it to others.
probably the most impressive part about his body was his core strength. the way he can swing his heavy body around so fast, haven't seen anything like it from any other heavy weight.
I know right, I remember growing up my dad used to order these fights my mother would be Pissed off The fight they had normally lasted longer than a Tyson Fight and I never got why he'd waste money on 1 to 3 round fight that was set for 12 to 15 rounds Now I get it
At his peak, to this day even, I still think he's the best fighter we've ever seen. So fast and powerful with sublime head movement. A force of nature.
Terrifying. At his peak he was unstoppable. That head movement and bobbing is exquisite. How the hell do you hit him? And the power and speed of his punches gives you no time to do anything but cover up and pray. Fearsome.
Ordinary Pete I remember being the same way, and I was only a little kid at the time. Mike was my hero, and to this day I believe would never have lost to anyone in history when at his best. But the post-80s, post-Rooney Tyson that Douglas fought was not at his best whatsoever.
As Mike Tyson walked to the ring, stepped in, and received ref's instructions, right up to the first seconds of the first round he was such a sinister presence. Then, he was exciting, phenomenal, and entertaining, but he was also vicious, focused, and terrifying. Mike Tyson was the caliber of fighter like I had never seen before. All these years later and I still feel all of those emotions as I watch those fights again and again.
And when he's showing people, you can just see he's loving it (to a point), but still loving it. I don't think he'll guide any ONE fighter-who the fuck is there that is under 6'5" anymore?
Looking at Mike like that is insensitive, uninsighful, cowardly and lame. At one point Mike had a mood disorder because of situational stresses, and focusing on his career like he did had a detrimental effect on other areas like his romantic life. But you should look at those issues exactly how you would someone that wasn't a ferocious black heavyweight champ. He's never been a narcissist or a psychopath. I've worked with people with lots of diffetent cluster B presentations and they're nothing like Tyson. Mike was always just an intelligent sensitive guy badly misjudged by people. You would think people would know that now.
I've always loved Tyson's body shots, no other fighter digs them in the way he does, short, sharp, stabbing shots that he twists his entire body into. They just look and sound so painful and powerful.
Those body shots were fierce. Scary power. You start covering up your ribs and then catch a short uppercut that puts you to sleep. Really never has been and never will be another fighter like him. He just needed a male role model to keep him straight. Don King used him up then threw him away.
I just love how Tyson moves and how he fights. He moves like he is the judge, jury, and executioner in the ring. I wish I could have seen it in person. He truly was an amazing fighter
I always admired how Mike goes all out to inflict enough damage to get the job done, then stop's immediately once his opponent is on the way down, walks away catches breath and always comes back to checks if his beaten opponent is ok.
I grew up watching Suger Ray Leonard, marvelous Marvin Hagler, Thomas the Hitman Hearns, and Roberto Duran have wars in the boxing ring against one another. Then in the heavy weight division Muhammad Ali just retired from boxing so Larry Holmes, Ernie shavers Leon Spinks , and Garry Cooney were top in a very boring Heavy weight division. March 6 1985 in Albany NY times were fixing to change forever, after an 18 year old Mike Tyson stepped in the boxing ring and defeated Hector Mercedes by TKO in the first round. Then Mike Tyson wins 26 of his next 28 fights by way of KO'S and 16 were in the first round!!!! I am only a couple of years younger than Mike Tyson, and I have never missed a single fight of his since he turned professional. When I witnessed him loose his belts in Tokyo Japan against Buster Douglas, it literally broke my heart because I realized that the Mike Tyson that I new and respected was gone. Great video thanks for sharing.
Everybody loved watching Iron Mike. He had the speed of a middle weight. But had the power of a super heavy weight. The death of Cus D'Amato really affected him. He was like the closest to a father to Mike. RIP Cus...
That sentence resonated with me, and my kids will be hearing those words ( regularly) along with “determination” and “willpower.” no wonder he made it to the top of his game; shame he forgot those words when he got to the top.
It's an interesting comment, but I'm not sure it applies to everything. A concert pianist undoubtedly has to have talent. Similarly, no matter how often a weekend hacker practices at tennis, he can't beat a top 10 player. I like what Jack Dempsey once said: The difference between him and your average tough guy walking the streets is that he is paid to be tougher than his opponent on certain dates and at certain hours.
It's not a true statement. Some people are born with attributes that enable them to achieve a greatness that most people can't. The sentiment that anyone can achieve anything is a nice idea, but is an example of modern toxic positivity that ultimately lines people up for disappointment. People should be encouraged to give everything to achieving their goals, but also taught to accept defeat and failure gracefully because most people will never reach the top of their chosen discipline.
Oh how I would love to go back in time a re-live this time again and watch a young Mike Tyson rise his way to the top. Such a treasure it was to witness his debut on Wide World of Sports back in the day!!!
waddayamean his demons got to him? reporters taking too many liberties and if that rape happened on this very day, we would have a decent cross examination and the bitch would end up paying for defemation that braud and her mother, had those plans from the very start
You know how we all know Mike Tyson is a badass? Today, while in his 50's, his name is still spoken with fear and reverence. Nobody would mess with him TODAY. I cannot think of any other retired boxer 20 or so years removed from the sport (barring his exhibition fight) that is spoken of like that.
This. What other boxer besides Ali is spoken about nearly 40 years after their first pro fight. When you think heavyweights you think of 2 names. Ali and Tyson. There's a reason for that 🥊
Yes it was. You should check out the 1st round body punch Amir Khan vs Maidana. How Maidana recovered from that punch was incredible. And a fantastic fight overall.
Most people don't seem to realize how badly a liver shot will shut you down. Anyone that has suffered one has to admire that he didn't just black out on the spot.
The thing that I noticed about Tyson from the beginning of his career was that even when he took a big shot ( which was rare ) not only was he not hurt, he wasn`t even FAZED. An indestructible force of nature.
Crazy how sharp all his movements already were in his debut... his footwork was already stellar. Always staying defensively responsible while fighting in the pocket. Masterfull at feeling out ranges. What I wouldnt give to see prime mike tyson v prime roy jones jr
@@floydaprilweatherjr.3581 so? jones won a world belt at heavyweight. You're telling me because he fought at super middleweight he couldn't fight mike tyson? xD
@@afonsomendes6907 yeah exactly. There are weight class for a reason. He managed to beat Ruiz who was a joke but he would loose to the A class heavyweight.
@@floydaprilweatherjr.3581 they literally fought already. Sure they were much older. But tysons frame isnt much bigger than roy jones. Totally doable fight, since tyson was never a big heavyweight
The fight was over at 2:36, when Mercedes put everything he had behind that jab and Mike just blasted him backwards. He knew at that point he was fighting a beast.
No he wouldn't. Mike blew the sport open because of his work ethic. This was a dude that looked like a bodybuilder from the insane scale of calisthenics he would do to train. Most heavyweights didn't train anywhere near that hard, Mike and his trainer knew that and that's why he did so well. Today they train a lot harder. Most don't train as hard as mike did early on still but they do train enough to capitalize on the massive strengths they have over him. Tyson Fury is a foot taller than him with 14 inches of greater reach. Deontay Wilder is like a bigger mike tyson and even he had no chance. The average reach of pro heavyweights today is like the top end in the old days and Tyson's tiny 71 inch reach was already short back then. If he fights someone big that can also move he's just outclassed.
@@ickyfist deontay has nothing on Mike Tyson, you're uneducated in boxing if you think they're similar, Mike's talents surpass deontays by far lol, analyse both of them closely and you'd see that but you don't even need to do that, Mike's boxing style is nothing like people use today plus his power and speed is in classes of their own when looking at most other heavyweights old or new
@@Oneness3395 Mike and Deontay Wilder are similar, both known for their punching power. Early Tyson was a bit different and played more defensively but that didn't last long. Mike's early style wasn't unlike "today" it was also unlike the norm for his time because it was an old outdated style. Mike didn't have a great style, what made him success was how hard he trained against bums who didn't. This is why very few would ever put Mike in even the top 10 all time greats, he's known for having a short time where he was actually dominant and he was facing a bunch of drug dealers who didn't know what they were doing. Deontay isn't even that great and he would beat Mike. Mike wouldn't be able to knock him out and Deontay can last unlike everyone Mike fought in his prime. And then there's Tyson Fury who just completely outclasses Mike. I like mike but he just has too many limits. Again, 71 inch reach doesn't cut it anymore, he's too short, too small, and he lost his edge before he could really develop into a true boxer. Maybe if D'amato lived longer Mike would have stayed in the right mindset long enough to learn and be the best traditional heavyweight but that didn't happen.
@@ickyfist lol Mike wasn't just a puncher and his style worked great for him as he's a short guy and he did fight a few great boxers, he just made a lot of boxers look rubbish cos of how good he was, deontay loses composure and gets rage that he doesn't seem to control well, Mike always stayed composed when he used his hands, only time he didn't is with evander for a justified reason with evander headbutting him and also if none or most boxers weren't at least good they wouldn't of made it to a professional level...
I never really got into boxing other than watching the Gypsy king, seeing these old school Tyson clips is like candy. I love it. Thanks for bringing new fans into the classics. Hearing that Tyson could have a hard time getting sparring partners blew my mind.
@@godking Just imagine how insane Mike would have been in MMA if trained from a very young age. MMA didn't really exist back then but the way this guy is built and how quick he is and his low center of gravity would have made him a nightmare in MMA.
@@williamdavis9562 Umm his equal of today would be The Nigerian Nightmare Usman lol they are built very similar. Usman has a couple inches in height but he weights close to 200lbs after he rehydrates.
When I was only like 16 or 17, I was 5'8" tall and weighed 200 pounds... I was never a boxer, but I lifted weights like at least 5 days a week both at school and at the YMCA. I had a physic that was very similar to Mike's, but I still wasn't nearly as strong as he was. That dude was simply a freak of nature! 💪💪💪💪
I love this concept of small chunk storytelling. Thanks for the inspiration bruv. You should consider doing themed playlists - eg biggest 1 round turnarounds, most controversial decisions, biggest what ifs like Morrison vs Tyson etc
Interestingly i always think his footwork is flawed but it just works and the fact that its so unorthodox makes it difficult to defend In boxing rule number 1 (near enough) never cross your feet, never go side on... Mike broke both of these golden rules and in doing so made him more mobile and more powerful He was a heavy guy but able to move so fast, duck and roll under shots and put more effective power into his own short punches from being squere on to his opponent. Being able to move so fast and hit so hard on the inside mike turned what should have been a weakness into an advantage Not to mention at first new what to do with him since no one was taught this, went against boxing doctrine and it confused the fuck out people... Unfortunately when you get caught square on feet inline the punches rock u more and Its much harder to get out of range and defend yourself As mikes slow decline began and his feet slowed he started to get caught more
Tyson was not a high skilled boxer foot work wise. He was as a swarmer as a boxer can be, he just punches like is no tomorrow and take the beating when is needed, little foot work, practically no dodging and always putting all the force he can in every punch. He's the embodyment of the Best defense is a good offense.
@@kaoko111 I'd have to disagree about footwork,he didn't have the best footwork,but once he got some fights under his belt,his footwork greatly improved.If you watched his training videos,his movement got him into position to deliver those vicious body shots and upper cuts.He was a brawler no doubt,but cus was teaching him to take his opponent apart and be more technical.
@@kaoko111 that was mike in his later fights true but in all fairness in his early career his feet were super fast closeing the gap quickly and a lot of head movement... Took a lot of energy to fight that way, needed a lot of training Over time mike relyed less on the boxing more on the hard punches as you said
Dan Hall The unorthodox footwork and movement were actually things Cus taught him as part of his peekaboo style. Mike would actually switch from conventional to southpaw interchangeably, and attack with his feet parallel to his opponent. This is all unconventional, but Cus taught him to utilize constant angles and movement to be effective against taller, larger opponents. Mike’s footwork at his best was always well-trained, well-planned, well-balanced, and exquisitely on point, even if it didn’t look that way.
Mike tyson had that blend of physical tools and intelligence. The rough upbringing gave him that fire + the opportunity to be trained by Cus created one of the greatest heavyweights ever
Young, eager, disciplined, and driven Tyson was at the pinnacle of his boxing career, then fame and fortune went to his head and he stopped doing what made him a champion and it cost him his greatness. Still he made a name for himself but he had the potential to possibly remain undefeated throughout his boxing career
@@lifeisgood1222 Bear in mind that Tyson fought Holyfield AFTER being out of pro boxing for 3 years while he sat in jail. During which, his contemporaries were staying active and gaining valuable experience. '96 Tyson was noticably slower than '89-'91 prime Tyson.
Mr. Tyson deserves all the respect and admiration because of his dedication to the sport. I used to watch his fights thinking he was just a strong man. He could punch his opponents and win. Throughout the years, I have learned that he wasn't just strong, he was dedicated, smart and very disciplined. I am glad that I was able to watch his fights in my lifetime.
The most impressive was when he KO'd Michael Spinks in 91 seconds. Spinks had a record of 31-0 going in. The loss we so devastating that Spinks retired on the spot.
I kinda started watching these backwards, but I'm quickly appreciating the effort put in these videos, the team who put these clips together have done an amazing job, well done. The other good thing about these videos is that you can observe Mikes technique so much better. His range was incredible for a shorter fighter, he could cover maximum distance with huge power shots within seconds, but what is more impressive is his hit choices and the accuracy and timing of those shots, it's a visual feast of boxing perfection.
I watched every one of his televised fights live on the telly and believe "at his peak" he was the most intimidating heavyweight of all time . Foreman was scary but Mike was on a different level.
I know for a fact if Mike had the right people around him and a personal healthy guidance from his peers He would've gone undefeated and yet those losses he took still puts him in the top 5 as the greatest boxers of all Time 💯
Should of, could of,.. if a woman had testicles she'd be a man. There were boxers far bigger and stronger and more talented than Tyson but they had drug issues, personal issues etc. Tyson's descent was his fault. Besides if you knew about tyson's juvenile crime records you would know what a depraved individual he was.
Mike was huge in late 80s and his aggro style is still a myth to this day, but his training was very much controlled. He was like a contradiction in styles that memorized and confused opponents. Same way with his hero Marciano tricking the brawler out of you, then strategically baiting you for the body and hooks as you opened up.
Love the content, bite sized videos and presentation overall. And you blew my mind with the quality of the footage. You earned yourself a subscriber! Looking forward to many more of your videos!
I remembered getting in the ring with him wondering how I was gonna beat this dude....but I pulled it off. I didn't really win....I survived. I don't think I will be able to do that again. I am not good at Mike Tysons Punch-Out like I used to be.
Impressive to watch him in this fight compared to just a year or so later. He polished his skills so quickly. Fought every 2 weeks for awhile too i believe.
Bowe, Holyfield, Lewis, Foreman, and Tyson from that group seriously "mattered" and the depth beyond that made for so many entertaining fights. Who "matters" now beyond Fury and Usyk? Nobody.They are all stiffs...led by AJ.
People fail to realize Tyson was not a boxer he was a natural born warrior everyone is built different some people are the homemaker some people are the architect others are the hunters this young man was a Hunter
He ain’t no natural born nothing, he was disciplined, and he had a mission, let’s stop saying that people have talent, people have goals and the only thing that can get you almost anywhere is willpower and discipline
Literally just stumbled into this channel. Had no idea what it was, but as a big fan of 80s/90s boxing (and yeah, missing that) I gotta say, took me less than one vid - subscribe. Can't wait to dig in.
I liked your explanation, at the front of the video. It made me subscribe. I still like cam video, though. It's raw, and nostalgic. Thanks for the great content.
I know Holyfield was a warrior, but when he beat BUSTED Douglas for the Championship at 0:27 was such a joke, it made me sick. I wouldn't be surprised if he ate a box of donuts before he went into the ring. smh
Rijo Bomjen I think he said PRIME Tyson, as in 80s, Cus/Rooney-trained Tyson. Douglas, Holyfield, and Lewis never fought this version of Mike, when he was at his best both mentally and physically.
@@rijobomjen7796 They wouldn't stand a chance, especially Lewis. Hollyfield even though a great boxer, should've been disqualified for extensively headbutting Tyson in both fights.
I remember watching an early pro fight with Tyson in it. It was me my dad a few of his friends and an old neighbor in his 70s who loved to watch boxing. We had cable and the fight was on cable so my pops just made a bbq out of it. Weighing the first minute i heard the old guy say holy shit he's a monster. And the next minute of the fight he was on the edge of his seat. Afterwards he sat back took a drink of beer and just contemplated what we saw. As a kid all i saw was someone get their ass knocked out fast and thought i hope i never have to fight anyone like him lol.
I truly respect his opponent for surrendering, a lot of fighters end up with serious brain damage, or in a coma, all because of their pride and their eagerness to not upset the public.
