BoxRec

Looks like Roberto Duran heeded our call not to train Mike Tyson. James "Buddy" McGirt is now labelling himself Tyson's trainer, a job he's more than welcome to.
Incidentally, at a press conference to announce the fight between Tyson and Clifford Etienne back in 2003 in Memphis, Tyson and his adviser Shelly Finkel arrived late and walked in just after Etienne's manager, Les Bonano, had been asked: 'Who's training Etienne?'
"Buddy McGirt," Bonano replied.
The first question Finkel was asked, was, 'Who's training Tyson?'
"Buddy McGirt," said Finkel.

Regardless who trains Tyson he is a shot fighter. His aura of invincibility has gone and his skills have been erroded by time and abuse to his body in and out of the ring.

His heart and burning desire for victory and a place in history is now just a smouldering ember. He still has his punch, but thats about it. He also seem unable or unwilling to adapt his style to suit his current abilities.

Whoever trains him will have little effect, even if Tyson listens to them.

As my mother used to say to me every Friday and Saturday night when I was pruning myself in the mirror before hitting the pubs and clubs.

"Son, don't bother. You can't polish a turd"

KOJOE90 wrote:As my mother used to say to me every Friday and Saturday night when I was pruning myself in the mirror before hitting the pubs and clubs.

"Son, don't bother. You can't polish a turd"

Ouch...

I don't even think his punch is quite what it used to be.

mrbassie wrote:I don't even think his punch is quite what it used to be.

I think it's more of a case of not throwing combinations anymore that losing his punching power. In my opinion anyway.

Not the fighter he was, he clearly hasn't been the same since 1989. However, I still think he could be alot better than what he has been in recent years if he puts his mind to it.

I still think he can become as good as when he went through that Francis, Saverese, Golota run of form.

Thing is, I've gone past believing that he will ever put his mind to it.

Tyson, doesn't really need a trainer - the guy is very experienced and knows the game inside out, he needs a motivator to get him fit.

Buddy McGirt seems to be a good trainer, though I know many think he is overrated.

However, he does seem to believe a fit Tyson can beat anyone out there, as the division is so poor. At least he has been one of the few brave/daft enough to say so.