Tyson-Ratliff... What a performance by Mike!

[Rocky Balboa]

Wtached some 'Old Tyson fights' last night, one of them being Mike Tyson-Alfonso Ratliff!

No disrespect to Ratliff, but during the staredown, he seems very arrogant, full/sure of himself, looking at Tyson as if to say 'this guys a punk!' Tyson's looking right up @ Ratliff, no messing, 'your face or mine'!

The camera is very close to the boxers during the referee's instructions, and the height difference between the two is incredible. Ratliff was around 6'5 & Tyson looked closer to 5'10!

Tyson comes out stalking Ratliff at the off, pressuring him, trying to cut off the ring as effectively as possible, he's looking to get Ratliff out of there ASAP!

During round 2, Tyson lands one of the best punches I have seen, and IMO, it's punch that is not mentioned enough when talking about great Tyson shots over the years! Mike lands a great left hook on Ratliff jaw/chin, and Alfonso is never the same in the fight from that point on.

I was very surprised the fight continued after the knockdown, as Ratliff rose just after the count of 9. Tyson was not gonna let him off the hook... he piles on the pressure, throwing hurtful combinations, a right lands and Ratliff stumbles. This is where the referee should have stopped it.

Ratliff takes more punishment, falling to knees, and the refereee stops it! It was a great fight by Tyson! People might say Ratliff was a 'nothing' opponent, but you still have to take care of who's put in front of you! Boy, Tyson did this in style.

I'd be interested to hear other's memories of the fight.....

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Some of Tyson's early performances were awe inspiring.

The knockout of Reggie Gross was the best example of defensive boxing & counterpounching I've ever seen. 8)

The way how he evaded all but one of Gross' fusilade of punches & then decked him with a perfect counter.

Stunning stuff.