Who won Mike Tyson vs. Paul fight? This is a question that has sparked debates and discussions among boxing enthusiasts for decades. The fight in question took place on June 28, 1990, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was a pivotal moment in boxing history, as it featured the legendary Mike Tyson, then known as the Baddest Man on the Planet, against a formidable opponent in the form of Buster Douglas, who was commonly referred to as Paul. This article delves into the details of the fight and the reasons behind the controversial outcome.
The fight between Mike Tyson and Buster Douglas was a highly anticipated event. Tyson, who had won his first 19 professional fights by knockout, was known for his incredible knockout power and intimidating presence in the ring. On the other hand, Douglas, a 33-year-old journeyman with a modest record of 24-6-1, was not expected to pose much of a challenge to the champ. However, the outcome of the fight was anything but predictable.
The fight began with Tyson, as expected, dominating the early rounds. He landed several powerful punches, including a famous left hook that sent Douglas to the canvas in the second round. Despite the knockdown, Douglas managed to get back up and continued to fight valiantly. The third round saw Tyson delivering a series of devastating combinations that left Douglas with a cut over his left eye.
As the fight progressed, it became apparent that something was amiss with Tyson. He seemed to be struggling to maintain his usual pace and power. By the seventh round, it was clear that Douglas was taking control of the fight. He landed more accurate and powerful punches, and Tyson’s defense looked ragged. In the eighth round, Douglas landed a powerful left hook that sent Tyson crashing to the canvas. This time, Tyson was unable to get back up, and the referee, Ray Mancini, called the fight.
The announcement of Tyson’s defeat to Buster Douglas sent shockwaves through the boxing world. It was the first time in his career that Tyson had been knocked out, and it marked the end of his reign as the undisputed heavyweight champion. Many fans and experts were baffled by the outcome, questioning whether Tyson’s defeat was due to a lack of effort or if he had been hit with something more sinister.
In the aftermath of the fight, several theories emerged regarding Tyson’s defeat. Some believed that Douglas had landed a punch with a foreign object, such as a piece of glass, embedded in it. Others suggested that Tyson had been suffering from a pre-existing condition, such as a heart problem or a head injury. Regardless of the reasons, the fact remained that Buster Douglas had become the first man to defeat Mike Tyson in the ring.
The Tyson vs. Douglas fight remains one of the most controversial and talked-about matches in boxing history. While many fans still debate who won the fight, it is undeniable that Buster Douglas’ victory was a significant upset and a testament to his resilience and determination. As for Mike Tyson, his loss to Paul Douglas was a turning point in his career, leading to a tumultuous period marked by legal troubles, substance abuse, and a gradual decline in his boxing skills.
