Mike Tyson: The Boxing Legend or Not?

A legend is a person who has made enormous contribution to the field that person had endured. Muhammad Ali is definitely without a doubt, a legend. Mike Tyson on the other hand is a different case all together. In my personal opinion, Mike was on his way to become a legend in the late 1980s but all that hope faded away once he terminated his relationship with his longtime coach Kevin Rooney.

To add from bad to worse, Mike was convicted of the rape of Miss Black Rhode Island, Desiree Washington and was sentenced to 6 years in jail. This is when his career started going on the wrong path. Maybe something happened to him in prison. Maybe some redneck sticked his sausage into Mike who knows. But one thing's for sure, after prison, he was never the same fighter he used to be. Did I forget to mention that he converted to Islam. He changed his name to Mike 'Abdul Azez' Tyson. Not sure whether he joined the Nation or the real Islam itself.

But anyhew, after coming out of prison in 1995, he was eager to prove that he was still a beast inside the ring. He won a couple of matches, got a couple of titles. Easy fights to get the World Boxing Confederation and World Boxing Association titles. When I say easy, I meant easy for Mike coz it didn't take him a long time to defeat his opponents.

And then came the the Mike Tyson - Evander Holyfield match in 1997. I do believe that this match can be considered as the match of the decade. I want to say century but I think that belongs to Muhammad Ali. The Tyson - HolyField match should be put in the record books not because of how good the fight was, but an incident that occured during the match that can be considered as one of the most memorable events in boxing history.

The incident started when Tyson got a 3 inch cut above the right eye. Moreover, Holyfield kept on Zidaning (New word for headbutting - reke sendiri brader) Tyson which really pissed him off. He complained to the referee but the ref totally ignored him. Out of frustation, Tyson bit part of Holyfield's ear twice, left and right. Not sure whether Tyson swallowed that chunk of meat or not. But that was the first time that incident has ever happened in boxing and I'm pretty sure Tyson will be remembered for that.

And now look at him (pic). If he controlled his ego, maintained his discipline, he could have become one of the best and respected boxers out there. But instead he keeps on going in and out of jail. What a waste of talent.