Comments Thread For: Teddy Atlas on Mike Tyson: I Don't Know If He Was Ever Great
In a recent interview, Hall of Fame trainer Teddy Atlas has questioned the all-time great label that many observers place on former undisputed heavyweight champion Mike Tyson.
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Atlas just loves doing the speaking circuit and tries to secure his next job by making outlandish statements. Some of what he said there is self-contradictory. Tyson was obviously great.
Tyson vs world titlists:
W vs Alfonso Ratliff TKO 2
W vs Trevor Berbick TKO 2
W vs James Smith UD 12
W vs Pinklon Thomas KO 6
W vs Tony Tucker UD 12
W vs Larry Holmes TKO 4
W vs Tony Tubbs TKO 2
W vs Michael Spinks KO 1
W vs Frank Bruno TKO 5
L vs Buster Douglas KO 10
W vs Frank Bruno TKO 3
W vs Bruce Seldon TKO 1
L vs Evander Holyfield TKO 11
L vs Evander Holyfield DQ 3
NC vs Orlin Norris 1
L vs Lennox Lewis KO 8
He was definitely elite from 1986-1989. That covers from the Ratliff win to the first Bruno win. He dethroned the reigning WBC titlist, then the reigning WBA titlist, then the reigning IBF titlist, then the reigning lineal/Ring Magazine champion. And he also beat a former cruiserweight champion, 3 former heavyweight titlists including the former lineal champion, and 1 future heavyweight titlist in that timespan.
Tyson stopped the world when he boxed & without the interwebs, who's done that since?
I watched Rummys corner on the 80s & i have to agree with Rummy Tyson won the 80s, he beat every belt holder & former belt holder of that era.
What if: Cus was around for another 5 year's? Tyson famously didn't train for Buster, imagine that fight if he did as Buster was fighting for something greater that night.
The light that shines twice as bright burns half as long.
Considering what lies between both, Atlas says good words and is fair. The problem with Mike is that he gets overrated and others underrate him. But I am fine calling him great, even back in the rankings. With Mike, it is also a unique chance to meet a trainer like Cus.
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