BoxRec

When was Mike Tyson at his absolute peak? I'm going for 1988 with Holmes, Tubbs & Spinks.

Same here

I'd consider Mike in his prime from 1986-1990. His very best form IMO was the Tubbs fight.

Berbick to Douglas.

I was most impressed against Biggs and Thomas.

I would go for 1986....

When he annihilated Trevor Berbick in 1986.... after that, it seemed Tyson was more in the headlines for his love life, altercations on the street, being more a celebrity than fighter---- and it shows in the fights, where the ever present head movement and defensive skills was gradually disappearing. By the time 1990 rolled around, and he battled Douglas, it was all but gone.

True, he destroyed Holmes and Spinks. True he unified the titles. But the Tyson that walked into the ring with Berbick, had one goal in mind--- and that was to honor the man, who pulled him out of the gutter and made him into a champion, Cus D'Amato. After that, Tyson didn't care anymore. It was just business. The goal had been conquered.

HomicideHenry wrote:When he annihilated Trevor Berbick in 1986.... after that, it seemed Tyson was more in the headlines for his love life, altercations on the street, being more a celebrity than fighter---- and it shows in the fights, where the ever present head movement and defensive skills was gradually disappearing. By the time 1990 rolled around, and he battled Douglas, it was all but gone.

True, he destroyed Holmes and Spinks. True he unified the titles. But the Tyson that walked into the ring with Berbick, had one goal in mind--- and that was to honor the man, who pulled him out of the gutter and made him into a champion, Cus D'Amato. After that, Tyson didn't care anymore. It was just business. The goal had been conquered.

I agree with this. . . as a total fighter, no bs in his life. . where boxing was his sole passion and the title was his focus. . 1986. I would say in 1987 he honed his skills a little further through ring experience, but passion and will outweighs it for me.

Definitely 1986-88.... though in 1988 he was destroying top quality opposition.

By 1989 Tyson had fired his original management team... and began looking vulnerable for the first time (such as Bruno temporarily stunning him). He was still too good for Bruno of course.... but has he been the more disciplined fighter he was with his original team, Tyson would have put Bruno away much quicker than he did

He was never not getting into shit, Cus let him do anything he wanted. This myth that Tyson was different with him is comedy.

SaadOffTheDeck wrote:He was never not getting into poo, Cus let him do anything he wanted. This myth that Tyson was different with him is comedy.

I agree that he was always up to naughtiness but hedidn't have as much of the media on his case and tremendous pressure etc..personally I see a different Tyson in 1985-1986 to 1987 - 1988. .

He looked the same to me until prison.

SaadOffTheDeck wrote:He looked the same to me until prison.

I just do not see it....compare a one round knockout performance ;

vs Marvis Frazier

vs Alex Stewart

You think Tyson is as good in the latter??

eb

Didn't I read Tyson had a dose of the clap in the run up to the Berbick fight?

His problems were just easier to hide when he was younger and on the up...

Late 80 and I'd say that there would be 4 or 5 fights that you could choose from.

evrenb wrote:

SaadOffTheDeck wrote:He looked the same to me until prison.

I just do not see it....compare a one round knockout performance ;

vs Marvis Frazier

vs Alex Stewart

You think Tyson is as good in the latter??

eb

Absolutely, granted Stewart was so scared he went down from nothing but I didn't see any difference in Mike's approach.

I thought mike was far sharper earlier on...

I know.

He was at his peak from 1986-1991. Why so many have this obsession with his prime is baffling. This topic has been brought up many times before.

Ambling Alp II wrote:He was at his peak from 1986-1991. Why so many have this obsession with his prime is baffling. This topic has been brought up many times before.

This topic has come up many many times!...and the Tyson haters always come and give their usual bs..they do not want to concede that he wasn't at his best when he lost to Douglas. There was no way on earth that the Tyson of 1990 was as good as the Tyson of 1986. No way. These are the same people who say Ali was at his best when he lost to Frazier and will not admit that the three and a half year layoff was a factor. These are also the same people who are quick to admit that Frazier 'didn't have it anymore' when he lost to Foreman. How bloody convenient!!! lol I tend to be more honest with myself and do not let my personal feelings affect my judgement! Rant over lol

Typical nonsense from someone who thinks anyone that disagrees with him is biased.

The Tyson that did for Marvis Frazier and Trevor Berbeck was ruthless, powerful, fast, intimidating and was pretty much a missile. I agree with the poster that said that when he got the title he slumped or at least stopped improving and he did not condition himself like he had before. He wasn't the same.

[quote="SaadOffTheDeck"]

Typical nonsense from someone who thinks anyone that disagrees with him is biased.[/

Your entitled to your opinion....even though it's wrong :-D

palooka wrote:The Tyson that did for Marvis Frazier and Trevor Berbeck was ruthless, powerful, fast, intimidating and was pretty much a missile. I agree with the poster that said that when he got the title he slumped or at least stopped improving and he did not condition himself like he had before. He wasn't the same.

I agree 100%...

evrenb wrote:
Your entitled to your opinion....even though it's wrong :-D