Over on Disney Plus, this episode of 30 for 30 appears as a stand-alone documentary, one that I watched given that it's near the top alphabetically, as the new "Star" channel has added so much new content.
In February of 1990, the boxer James 'Buster' Douglas upset dramatic odds, as high as 42 to 1, to defeat the undisputed and then undefeated heavyweight champion of the world, 'Iron' Mike Tyson. Seen as little more than a speedbump on the route to Tyson vs. Holyfield the fight, which took place in the Tokyo Dome, Japan is one of sports biggest ever upsets.
This was a pretty solid documentary, with plenty of interviews from Douglas and his family. It talked long about his life prior to this particular bout, including his dad, who was also a prizefighter and his earlier career in which his heart for life in the ring was questioned. News footage from the time shows how little the world thought of Douglas' chances in the ring, with many figuring the fight would not last beyond the first round. Then the highlights of the fight including the controversial 8th round knockdown that might, in other circumstances have given a win to Tyson there - but inspired by the recent passing of his mother, Douglas rallied and knocked Tyson down in the final round.
It would, perhaps, have been nice to hear a little more from Tyson's side. Not necessarily the man himself, but perhaps people involved in training him, to hear if they were taking it for granted as much as the implication was. But this was a fun and engaging documentary about a situation I didn't know much about.
In February of 1990, the boxer James 'Buster' Douglas upset dramatic odds, as high as 42 to 1, to defeat the undisputed and then undefeated heavyweight champion of the world, 'Iron' Mike Tyson. Seen as little more than a speedbump on the route to Tyson vs. Holyfield the fight, which took place in the Tokyo Dome, Japan is one of sports biggest ever upsets.
This was a pretty solid documentary, with plenty of interviews from Douglas and his family. It talked long about his life prior to this particular bout, including his dad, who was also a prizefighter and his earlier career in which his heart for life in the ring was questioned. News footage from the time shows how little the world thought of Douglas' chances in the ring, with many figuring the fight would not last beyond the first round. Then the highlights of the fight including the controversial 8th round knockdown that might, in other circumstances have given a win to Tyson there - but inspired by the recent passing of his mother, Douglas rallied and knocked Tyson down in the final round.
It would, perhaps, have been nice to hear a little more from Tyson's side. Not necessarily the man himself, but perhaps people involved in training him, to hear if they were taking it for granted as much as the implication was. But this was a fun and engaging documentary about a situation I didn't know much about.
