How Many Fights Before the Mike Tyson Fight?
The legendary boxing match between Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield on June 28, 1997, was one of the most anticipated fights in boxing history. But how many fights did Mike Tyson have before facing Holyfield? This article delves into the journey of the Iron Mike, examining his record leading up to the epic showdown with Holyfield.
Mike Tyson, born on June 30, 1966, in Brooklyn, New York, began his boxing career at the age of 18. By the time he faced Evander Holyfield, Tyson had already established himself as a formidable force in the boxing world. Let’s take a look at his fight record up to that point.
Tyson made his professional debut on November 22, 1985, against William Long. In his first professional fight, he won by a knockout in the second round. Over the next few years, he faced various opponents, including James Smith, Tony Ayala, and James Green, all of which he defeated.
Continuing his winning streak, Tyson fought in 13 consecutive fights, defeating opponents like Frank Bruno, Michael Spinks, and Larry Holmes. By the time he fought Michael Spinks for the WBC, WBA, and IBF heavyweight titles on November 9, 1987, he had a perfect record of 19-0, with 14 knockouts.
The fight against Spinks was a pivotal moment in Tyson’s career. Although he lost the match, he earned a split decision victory, and his reputation as a formidable heavyweight grew. After this loss, Tyson fought again and won his next seven fights, including a victory over the highly regarded James “Buster” Douglas.
On June 28, 1990, Tyson faced Buster Douglas for the second time. This time, he delivered one of the greatest upsets in boxing history, knocking out Douglas in the tenth round to win the WBA and IBF heavyweight titles. This victory solidified his status as a boxing icon.
Following his victory over Douglas, Tyson fought in 12 more fights, including a trilogy of fights against Evander Holyfield. The first fight between the two took place on November 9, 1990, and Tyson won the match by a knockout in the eleventh round.
After their first encounter, Tyson and Holyfield faced each other again on June 28, 1997. By this time, Tyson had a record of 50-6, with 44 knockouts. This record, along with his iconic status in the boxing world, made the fight against Holyfield one of the most anticipated matchups in boxing history.
In conclusion, Mike Tyson had 50 professional fights before facing Evander Holyfield in their historic showdown. The Iron Mike’s career was filled with unforgettable moments and epic battles, making him one of the greatest boxers of all time.
