Mike Tyson's place in history

Is Mike Tyson (50-6, 44 KOs) the greatest heavyweight of all time? Is his legacy enough to be part of the historical ‘top 5’? Is he on a par with other legends such as Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, Joe Frazier, Lennox Lewis, Evander Holyfield and Rocky Marciano, Joe Louis or Larry Holmes?

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The fact is that ‘Iron Mike’s’ life of excess outside the ring prevented us from seeing how far he could have gone, as since the death of his mentor and trainer, Cus D’Amato, his dedication to boxing was not the same and he was only 20 years old. Nevertheless, let us remember that Tyson was the youngest heavyweight champion in history and managed to be undisputed (to hold all three belts), also being the youngest ever.

It is true that the New York pugilist had the greatest potential ever seen in a heavyweight until then – and all this despite his height – but his bad life and his time in prison completely cut short his progression. Even before going to jail he was defeated by ‘Buster’ Douglas and on his release he succumbed twice to Holyfield (disqualified in one of them). Finally he was beaten by Lewis, Danny Williams and Kevin McBride. The fight against Lewis, undoubtedly came too late, but if there is something in common with all these defeats is that it never went to the end.

Tyson was accused of avoiding fighters such as Foreman and Riddick Bowe. His detractors tend to belittle his triumphs against Larry Holmes, Michael Spinks, Donovan Ruddock, Frank Bruno or Tony Tucker, but while Mike was at the top of his game, he was the most feared and the opponent to avoid. However, his prime was short-lived. “I don’t know what would have happened if he had hit me… but for that he would have to catch me,” Ali said at the height of ‘Tysonmania’ in the 1980s.

‘Iron Mike’s power is unquestionable and it is what Jake Paul will fear most ahead of their fight on Friday night (Saturday morning in Spain). In this league, the former champion does not have many rivals. Only the likes of Foreman, Wilder, Shavers and Liston can usually stand the comparison, although there have been other titans of the heavyweight division with devastating knockout power. It was precisely his punching power and aggressive style that made Tyson the most feared boxer most fans have ever known, which is why he will be able to gather 80,000 spectators in a stadium tomorrow at the age of 58.