Buster Douglas: “The only way I was gonna beat Mike Tyson was to knock him out. Fortunately I stayed focused and my dream came true.”

Robert Brown5514 mins

I recently had a chance to speak with former heavyweight champion, James ‘Buster’ Douglas. Douglas is widely known for his 1990 upset win over the then unbeaten champ, Mike Tyson in what was called the upset of the century. Topics discussed in this interview include, Douglas’ start in the sport, the lead up to his fight with Mike Tyson, becoming heavyweight champion, the heavyweight fighters of today and his thoughts on the biggest fight that can be made today, Mayweather-Pacquiao. Here is what ‘Buster’ Douglas had to say.

Robert Brown: Can you tell us how your boxing career got started?

James Douglass: I started when I was ten as an amateur fighter in Columbus, Ohio. I fought for my dad, he was a boxing instructor, he was also a professional fighter as well. He was a world class middleweight and light heavyweight contender. After that, he got my interest into boxing and I fought competitively from ten to fifteen, then I started playing other sports but then I came back to it as a pro at twenty one.

Robert Brown: Was it your father’s history in the sport that helped you make that decision?

James Douglass: Definitely, I was at a crossroads in my life and I wanted to figure out what I wanted to do, then I decided I was gonna take a crack at being a professional fighter.

Robert Brown: The perception from the media was that you didn’t have the stamina and heart to be a heavyweight world champion. What did you make of those comments?

James Douglass: Yeah that was the perception but as that goes, everybody has an opinion but they didn’t know who was going in there was me. It was just like starting over for me because the last time I ever fought competitively was at fifteen and I came back at twenty one and decided to turn pro so I really had to learn the game all over again on a high level. It was a learning experience.

Robert Brown: In 1989 you got wins over former WBC heavyweight champion, Trevor Berbick and heavyweight contender, Oliver McCall which got you the shot against Mike Tyson. Tell us about how the fight with Tyson came about.

James Douglass: Like you said before, I fought Oliver McCall and that was a process of elimination and that put me in a line for the shot at the title. Once I beat Oliver, I got the shot with Mike.

Robert Brown: Did the perception from the public that you had no chance against Tyson affect you at all?

James Douglass: It did have an effect, it turned a positive into a negative. It made me determined to show the world that I really deserved that shot at the title and that I was gonna put on a great fight against Mike Tyson. I wanted to show that I deserved that shot and it wasn’t given to me.

Robert Brown: Unfortunately a few weeks before the fight your mom died, did you ever think about calling off the fight at that stage?

James Douglass: No, not at all. I knew my mom wouldn’t have wanted me to not be able to fulfill my dream and win the heavyweight championship so I had to remain strong and go forward with the fight.

Robert Brown: Did your mother’s dead help you focus?

James Douglass: Like I said before, my focus was always there but my mom passing made it more clear that it was my time to shine because not only did my mom pass but there were a lot of things that were trying to be distracting during my training sessions.

There were a lot of other things that could have distracted me but my mom passing made me even more determined to fulfill my dream and to become the heavyweight champion of the world. I knew that it was my destiny, there was something inside me that I said, “With all these things going on, this must be my time.” I just stayed focused and kept my eye on the prize.

Robert Brown: As the fight began to unfold, did you begin to realize that Mike knew you weren’t going to be intimidated like the rest of the fighters?

James Douglass: I don’t think he did. He fought throughout the whole fight, he was really trying to get me regardless of what I was doing. He was very determined because the shots that I was hitting him with in the tenth round were the same shots that I was hitting him with in the first round and he took them pretty good and he was able to withstand them. I just had to continue to keep chopping on him and let my hands go and after that it was the end result. By the tenth round he just had enough, he couldn’t take anymore.

Robert Brown: In the eight round you dropped your guard a little bit and he caught you with an uppercut and you went down. How badly were you hurt when you went down?

James Douglass: I wasn’t hurt, I felt as though I was pushed. That was the eight round and I kind of took a moment to try to look at him and start admiring my work. That’s how dangerous he was because just that moment I wanted to sit back and start reflecting on what I was doing and I got caught with a punch.

It was a good punch but it was more of like a forceful punch that knocked me down. I wasn’t hurt, I just felt like I was knocked off balance. I recovered immediately and then I was able to get up and come back very strong in the ninth round and of course finish him in the tenth round.

Robert Brown: By the end of the ninth round, did you feel that it was over?

James Douglass: No because he was fighting throughout the fight. I just felt that I had to keep doing what I was doing. I think if it went to the decision, he would have won the fight because he was ahead on the score cards, believe it or not. The only way I was gonna beat Mike Tyson was to knock him out. Fortunately I stayed focused and my dream came true.

Robert Brown: You knocked Mike Tyson out, what were the emotions you were going through at that stage?

James Douglas: It was a childhood dream come true, a lifelong dream of being the best in the world and I was able to accomplish that. It was a fulfilling moment in my life and I felt as though my father was a professional fighter and he was a big influence in my life and watching him in his career then to be able to take the torch so to speak and go there and fulfill a dream of becoming a champion, it was just a wonderful moment. It was a tremendous moment in my life.

Robert Brown: How do you feel about the current heavyweight scene and how far do you think Deontay Wilder can go?

James Douglas: I think it’s a great opportunity for an American heavyweight to get those title belts back. It’s an opportunity to get the championship belts back in the United States.

Robert Brown: Do you think Deontay Wilder has the goods to become a really good heavyweight champion?

James Douglas: He has a good shot at it, he’s in great shape and he seems to have a good punch and knows a little bit. It’s a great opportunity that’s coming up for him. We’ll see, I’ll be tuning in for sure.

Robert Brown: What are your thoughts on the Mayweather-Pacquiao saga and do you think the fight is gonna happen?

James Douglas: I just heard that the fight is supposed to happen in May next year. If that’s true, that’s great, I’ll be tuning in for that as well. I think it’s gonna be an exciting fight and I think a lot of both of those guys, they’re great champions and it’s something that’s gonna be good for boxing.

Robert Brown: Who do you think would win that fight?

James Douglas: I’m gonna go with Mayweather. I think Floyd Mayweather is a class act and he has great ability, so I’m gonna go with Mayweather to beat Manny Pacquiao

55 thoughts on “Buster Douglas: “The only way I was gonna beat Mike Tyson was to knock him out. Fortunately I stayed focused and my dream came true.””

  5. Mayweather – a class act? That’s BS !
    Mayweather is a wife beater , abusive and went to jail!
    His own son called him coward for beating his mom.

  6. Im not gonna argue Floyds abilities but I dont think a guy who accuse people base on nothing, make racial slurs, beat women, domestically abuse his wife, neglect his children, keep losing friends left and right and a well known coward will ever be considered a class act. I also think this guy smoked too much peyote to sound this delusional. Hey Buster you may have beaten Mike Tyson but we all know thats the only highlight of your career.

  7. It’s extremely telling how his haters ( losers in life)never stick to the actuall point ! Why is it that actuall real men like people who have actually been in the ring amateur or professional fighters and champions and commentators never put mayweather down or talk about cowardice or his personal life !
    And who knows more than these people !

  8. Its just a little odd to me may weather says let’s fight on the same weekend as cotton canelo ppv. I truly believe he knows there’s no way both fights can happen on that date and that’s going to be his scapegoat.if Floyd was a true champion he would atop fighting all these dn bums , and take on some risk and go up to middleweight.

    1. The Canelo/Cotto fight isn’t even signed to this day so how can it be scheduled? Pactard wish it was scheduled so he can duck out. Pactard fought Hatton and Moseley on Cinco De Mayo so now it’s disrespectful to fight on that weekend if your not Mexican? What a load of crap from the little double talking steroid freak.

  10. Class act? If he said he is a class boxer I could live with that. But it is clear that with the negative things he says about others, especially Manny instead of facing him is definitely not the sign of a class act. He is more like an unemployed teacher! Yes! He’s got no class! But Buster has too much class to say that so I had to let everyone know it!

  11. Money and material things are necessities in life, but is not the ultimate happiness that a person could achieved. These things are temporary and you’ll not take them when you pass away. The good deeds, love, and respect you do to your fellowmen is what counts. That’s the ” CLASS ACT” tbe??? peace!!!

  12. “CLASS ACT?” i really dont know what this former heavyweight champion is talking about. Are you still dreaming or still on the hype of your upset win with tyson? ? huh!!!

  13. hey buster… you’re busted!!!. don’t understand the word class act….. its an act of being refine and classy when you talk, not desrespectful to others, understand????

  14. I think Floyd Mayweather will fight in May, I say Manny do whatever he says to get the fight on, if he says you need a blood test, urine test, or whatever kind of test. If you have nothing to hide, then take the test and fight. People don’t like Mayweather, but you cannot dismiss his skills. Manny cannot win, he has no defense. It’s going to be the same fight, just like When he fought Marquez. Floyd will beat him almost every round in a one sided fight. Mayweather deserves more money, he’s undefeated and has 6 current titles to Manny’s one. Three of which in the weight class that Manny has his. Furthermore, Manny needs to fight Canelo Avarez or Marcos Maidana who everybody thought could beat Floyd. I believe both of them can beat Manny.

  17. How can you call him a class act when he disrespect women every time You see him with someone .He also disrespect boxing with his antics in and out of the ring .He is afraid to fight all he does is run that’s not a boxer that’s a coward .How could I pay for his last three fights when I knew all he would do is run

  18. Pretty boy Floyd aka money mayweather TBE is the best ever you guys are dealing with emotions because in all reality Pacquiao been done I seen his last 3 fighs they was not impressive at all after Floyd beat brimstone outta pacman then you guys are going to say Floyd waited until pacman got old lml smh all of yall Floyd haters need to go lay down n quit wiggling I got the antidote to beat pretty boy Floyd aka money mayweather eat 1pound of sliver back gorilla shit nice n hot drink 1/2 pint of iron mike tyson piss chilled over night in central park 86st 8th 8ave side of the park you will win have a nice day…..

  19. Yoooo Floyd I love you champ my wife n kids love you keep up the good work hard work dedication

  20. Busta Douglas I was mad at you for beating my boy mike tyson like dat but I came to respect you love is love tell all Floyd haters i got the antidote to beat pretty boy Floyd aka money mayweather eat 1pound of sliver back gorilla shit nice n hot drink 1/2 pint of iron mike tyson piss chilled over night in central park 87st 8th ave side of the park you will win lml

  21. Floyd I never been to a professional fight B4 I really dont care about any other fights but dis one can I get to tickets to see you destroy punk ass pacman? I will be in touch love you champ ya number 1fan akbar ali greene aka the hood mayweather 183rd the boogie down bronx

    1. I hope Floyd grants ur wish bro. For me I think ur idol is too scared to grant that wish. But it’s okay I’ll pray with you.

  22. And who the fuck is Buster Douglas ? He was no more then a flash in the pan when he was actually fighting !

    Another BLACK guy sticking up for Monkey Mayfeather !

  23. Pacmanusa you are an idiot! Holyfield, Foreman, James Toney etc to name a few have picked Manny to win and they are black. You are just like idiots in the US who accuse everyone of being Filipino if they write something positive about Manny.
    I have some some Filipino friends in Toronto who dislike Manny for different reasons. You know what, they are entitled to their opinions. It peeved me because he called Floyd a class act which he is not. I like Manny and have for years and I am Canadian Black with Caribbean, British Roots but with a great Grandmother who was from Asia. I love boxers of different backgrounds.
    You are mad because Douglas differs from you. That makes you a non class act. If you poll non biased boxing fans you will get probably a 50/50 split. That does not make them prejudice or anything. This forum is for people to voice opinions but instead it degenerates into people being racist. As Joe Louis once said, I am proud of my race, the human race.
    Boxers are brave people who risk their life and health to entertain us. I think Floyd is brilliant but always felt he never wanted Manny, who is a unique fighter. I think Manny has a mental edge for that reason and if he is in shape and focused he will win. Manny is a better human being than Floyd.

  24. I love boxing…no color needed. I’m a Manny fan. I also think Floyd can beat Manny.Floyd is the better boxer…hit, run, make him miss and hold. He’s the best at that. Manny makes the fight exciting. Floyd maybe didn’t want fight him in the past because of accusing Manny taking steroids…never proven. Manny could have been taking legal protein supplements… who freakin knows…Floyd is rich I get that. He flaunts it I get that too. I think anybody who has money like that would flaunt it! People are going to be haters…But, come on! Most people hate him because he’s a true to core asshole…He’s been trying to be better. But, deep inside he’s just an ass. His undefeated record, doesn’t even matter. The greatest boxers in the past all have been defeated. That’s what makes them great. They lose come back for a rematch and win! I can bet boxing fans respect most if not all of them. I can see this in the future,” oh yeah, Mayweather was great boxer,but man! Was he was an asshole”. Come on you guys hating on Manny…really?. His mom maybe a little nuts,but Manny, I think he’s just a plain ho hum guy that fights.

  25. For all of you manny fans I can’t wait to hear the excuses y’all come up with when floyd beats his little ass lol. He won’t be able to hit floyd at all and floyd is gonna be right in front of him just like he was with canelo, y’all thought he would lose then didn’t y’all lol. Manny can’t beat canelo he’d get ko’d within 3rnds. So don’t say ah manny was just older now because floyd is to. Manny is just like kahn fight 2 bums then you get floyd be 4 real lol. Manny’s last ppv totals wher about 300 thsnd give me a break where wher all of you fans at ? Lol.

    1. Of course he’s fighting algerie.ur boy Floyd didn’t do well either pray he doesn’t catch ur Floyd because if he does it’s gonna be ko.And if Floyd wins no problem we Pacquiao fans are reasonable will give ur Floyd all the credit and thank him for accepting the fight we all want to see.

  27. Gayweather cant do nothing he just talk talk and talk
    Like his follower. Ur 46-0 is nooottthiiiing!!!! If u dont
    Fight MANNY the peoples choice PACQUIAO

  30. Its only now that i saw a real coward boxer? A real boxer
    Dont afraid to loose even the greatest of all time MUHAMMAD
    ALI had loose

    1. I don’t think he’s afraid to loose… what I really think is he’s afraid to get knock the *** out. Coz if this fight happen, Pacquiao is going to pour everything on this fight. Speed power and controlled aggression.

  32. No fight of the century folks, mayweather totally chickened out this time. Floyd Maychicken said in one of his latest interviews, “Pacquiao had his chance to fight me when I wanted to fight him, but now, I don’t want to fight him any more, blah blah blah…..

  33. Class A?….who wants the fight? who the hell said that Floyd is a Class A or maybe a Class A ducker….now Pacman told Mayweather’s camp to chose what weight he wants as Pacquiao said that the weight is not matter….so that’s the act of a Class A, Buster “moron’ Douglas!

    1. Hah hah hah… u have got to be kidding me. Amir khan has a better chance?… I bet Floyd will fight khan next. Floyd only avoid fighters he know he can’t beat. Amir khan hah hah hah hah.

  36. Manny eats chicken adobo… Mayflower in a class by himself(ish), low class. Mayflower can go without a loss but will always have an asterisk* (asstorisk) next to his record, that he never fought the most meaningful fight of his career.

  37. Every fighter on the planet knows pacnap is a fraud and will be getting his ass beat. Then he can go back to cherry picking some Algeri and Vargas dudes to look good against.

    1. Who’s gonna beat his ass Floyd?… since when did you ever saw Floyd beat somebody up? Floyd is about running and pot shotting to victory. U talk like Floyd is like Mike Tyson who beats his opponentson to submission. Floyd beats his opponents to frustration coz he keeps on running. That’s why fan’s who watch him gets board and dissatisfied like they got stiffed of their $60.00.

  38. For all those people who thinks Floyd “avoid” Mayweather can beat the Pacman enjoy this moment now because this is all you have a ” claim”. If this two fights, Floyd “avoid ” Mayweather won’t have a chance with pacman. Floyd will run all night long hoping if he could land one punch which will not come because first the pacman will be ready for it and second Floyd doesn’t really possess a one punch ko n don’t even use Hatton as a gauge coz Hatton has a weak chin. Pacman is tougher than this. Third Pacquiao will be faster in this given fight. Pacquiao has the ability to show as a different fighter when he is not so overly confident. This is why Floyd is been ducking him. Mark my word!

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