Holyfield always boxed with a no fear mentality & when he faced the post prison version of Tyson — he definitely wasn’t scared. Holyfield was one opponent whom Mike couldn’t psyche out in the pre-fight psychological war games.
During the pre-fight stare-downs, the fighters’ body language often reveals much about their respective mindset. Holyfield appeared outwardly confident & calmly returned Mike’s stare. At one point during the 1996 press conference, he actually told Tyson to his face, “ there ain’t no fear in me.”
So this was one fighter who was determined to takeTyson on at his own game. Holyfield fully realized that in a one on one combat sport such as boxing, fear can be a fighter’s worst enemy— particularly if it becomes uncontrollable. And many of Tyson’s previous opposition was defeated before a punch was thrown.
However, one factor that almost certainly contributed to Holyfield’s positive psychology was the PEDs. He knew deep down that by juicing— he had become a vastly improved physical specimen.
From a purely physical standpoint in the juiced form, he suspected that in the clinches, he could now hold his own against post prison Tyson. Therefore, being of approximately equal physical stature made him more confident. A positive body breeds a positive mind & vice versa.
Additionally, the other big positive for Holyfield was that on a personal level, he knew Tyson, long before Tyson acquired his intimidating aura. Way back in 1984, they had notoriously sparred as amateurs & Holyfield had held his own. Years later this kind of thing may appear trivial, but believe me—it makes a helluva difference come fight night.
Prior information on an intimidating opponent can prove pivotal in a close, drawn out fight. So let’s just say Holyfield knew Tyson, knew what “buttons to press” & one of his keys to victory was simply knowing his opponent.
