For Mom - Douglas vs Tyson 1990

Buster Douglas vs. Mike Tyson : In one of the biggest upsets in boxing history, James "Buster" Douglas defeated the then-undefeated heavyweight champion Mike Tyson.

Douglas's father was a boxer and Douglas was known to have potential to be a good boxer but was seen as someone who lacks the fighting 'spirit'.

Tyson on the other hand, was a boxing prodigy. He was picked out by his trainer Cus D'amato who trained him with discipline and instilled a cold fighting midset in him. He rose to become the youngest heavyweight champion in 1986 at age 20.

Tyson had KO'd all his opponents thus far and was the overwhelming favourite. The Mirage put up the odds 42-1 against Buster Douglas.

However, 23 days before the fight, Buster Douglas' mother died. Before she died she had come to see Douglas and asked if everything she heard about Mike Tyson was true: that he was a dangerous fighter? Douglas replied that Tyson was a dangerous figther but he was prepared and he would win the fight. It was said that after that she would tell her friends that her son, Buster Douglas would win that fight.

Listent to this interview with Teddy Atlas:

'' the pain of losing his mother was greater than anything Tyson could inflict on him...''

Watch the match:

In this fight a few things happened. Buster douglas fought the best fight of his life. He was knocked down on the 8th but came back strong to finish the fight.

When a man has something larger than himself to fight for, he has the potential to do the impossible. Douglas did this for mom.

As for Dad, Buster was finally able to continue his father's legacy. He got his father's approval and was able to prove himself to be who he really was born to be.

He made both his parents proud - something that almost everyone longs to do.

To Elías,

As I look at how you try to crawl, pull yourself up, and slowly learn to walk, you will look at me and your mama and smile when you reach those little milestones. When you move around and you finally recover from a fall or a tumble, your eyes open up with energy and accomplishment even at a small age.

I understand now, why even the most successfull people, always want their parent's approval. It's something so natural. You grow up seeking your parent's approval. It's all anyone can ask for.

However, I will say this: whatever you do in life, whatever happens to you, just remember, that by coming into this world, you have always been enough for us. Remember that.

Your mission is not to seek approval from others, but from yourself. You accomplished that by striving to fulfil your potential and working hard. The process will be fulfilling for you. Don’t stop improving.

Love,
Papa