Next week, a documentary is coming out about the life and times of Mike Tyson. I had the opportunity to see a preview screening last night and I have to say it was excellent. I will tell you that I have always been and still am a fan of Mike Tyson. He trained in Upstate New York and was frequently around the Albany area (5 Fack Youk contributors are from the Capital District) during the beginning and the height of his career.
I even met him in the mall when I was like 7, I don't remember this but my parents told me I did. Another nice story of Mike in Albany was when he was arrest for going 120 mph down Central Ave (that is the exact location and the speed limit is 30 mph) in his Lamborghini. What I am getting at is that a lot of people here like Tyson and even though he has done some shit in his day, we selectively remember the times when he was great.
I won't get too into it for those of you who want to see it, but it does a great job of capturing Mike's unique insight into his own life. I know Tyson is viewed as crazy by most of the world, and rightfully so, but this movie gave me a better understanding of why. It also makes you feel sorry for him because he got a raw deal in many respects and overcame a lot of shit to get to the top of the boxing world.For those of you that don't really give a shit about Mike Tyson I would still recommend watching it. It's a good documentary from a cinematography standpoint and there is enough unintentional humor in him making up his own words (I think I caught a "sluggentry" in there) and contradicting his own statements in consecutive sentences for everyones' enjoyment.
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In his prime - 19/20 years old - Tyson was an absolute killing machine. I don't think anyone before or since could have beaten him in his heyday (leading up to and just after first winning the title). The long postscript to that period is just sad.
ReplyDeleteYeah, watching those old fights from like the RPI Fieldhouse and Glens Falls Civic Center on ESPN Classic gets me everytime. He was a fucking vicious beast. I'm with you, Eric, I think a prime Tyson matches up favorably with anyone, ever.
ReplyDeleteThe Central Ave Lambo cruise is legendary. He also always used to hit on my sister. The guys around here typically love Mike like a brother; ladies hate him.
ReplyDeleteThe best thing that could ever happen to Mike would be a Cus D'Amato resurrection.
Iron Mike was the man. I know boxing has been around for mad long but I don't think anyone has ever had knockout power with both hands like he did.
ReplyDeleteMike's still got it - right at the 2:16 mark
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