also, he didn't lose to a bum in his next fight, holyfield was arguably the heavyweight of the era (yes, I know lewis takes it but I actually think holyfield beats him at his best). At any rate, Tyson, as a student of the sport was well aware of the dangers of some contender with no chance showing up and winning. He said it in some interview around 88-89, that if he had a nickel for every champion who lost to an unheralded fighter, he'd be rich. Longtime champions carry the burden of having to turn back lesser talents who may be fighting on their best nights ever even when they aren't prepared. I can remember a lot of fighters who looked great for for a few or even one fight. Lloyd Honeyghan looked like a monster against the then number 1 or 2 pound for pound, donald curry, Donald was lucky to win one round and only escaped a certain kayo because he quit. Then Honeyghan was shot a few years later, never again looking as good as he did against curry again. That's not uncommon.