Mikes success was heavily reliant on youth, hunger, intimidation and the people surrounding him. His defensive wizardry is often overlooked but had he remained disciplined could have potentially carried him to undefeated status.
Cus dying was significant but canning Rooney, as well as other distractions, was the end of his greatness. The peek-a-boo style was perfect for his physical attributes in relation to the HW division, and he lost that becoming a fairly simplistic slugger. As a person his story is one of the most inspirational of modern history. Theres some dumb song about being knocked down and getting up again, thats Mikes theme song to a tee. Fascinating human being.