
via Getty
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – FEBRUARY 26: Former Boxer Mike Tyson looks on prior to the Cruiserweight Title fight between Jake Paul and Tommy Fury at the Diriyah Arena on February 26, 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

via Getty
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – FEBRUARY 26: Former Boxer Mike Tyson looks on prior to the Cruiserweight Title fight between Jake Paul and Tommy Fury at the Diriyah Arena on February 26, 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
Few moments in boxing history have left a mark like the night the invincible fell. Titans clashed, wills battled, and a verdict still echoes in boxing. What happened on that night in Tokyo, Japan? Mike Tyson, the undisputed champion, faces the unassuming. The result was a loss, a shock, a controversy. Moreover, debates and emotions still stir among Tyson’s fandom. It’s the story that turned Tyson’s life upside down.
It was in 1990 that set the stage. Tyson was all geared up to win again. However, the ordinary turned extraordinary. A routine title defense ended in a loss. Mike Tyson met Buster Douglas on February 11, 1990. It was supposed to be easy. But Douglas fought back and knocked Tyson out in the tenth round. This fight lives up to its moniker as the biggest upset in the history of boxing. In a recent video making circles on the Internet, fans discuss this bout.
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The loss that shaped Mike Tyson into ‘Iron Mike’
Even three decades later, the loss is still talked about. Recently, a video posted on Facebook by Matt Martin shows the glimpse of this iconic bout. Furthermore, the fight between Mike Tyson and Buster Douglas has elicited various reactions from fans. As we take a look into the reactions, they appear as polarized opinions about the bout.
Starting the conversation, we have
Chris Cooper, who believes that Tyson was unjustly defeated, stating, “Tyson got robbed of that fight had Douglas down game 15 seconds.”Next, this sentiment is echoed by Collis Cooper, who emphasizes that “People forget Tyson knocked him down but got a slow count.” On the other hand, Mustanser Hussain offers a philosophical perspective, asserting, “Success is not achieved by winning all the time. Real success comes when we rise after we fall. Mike Tyson.”
Meanwhile, Paolo Giacomelli praises Tyson’s ability to capitalize on opportunities, noting (as translated from Facebook), “Tyson knew how to cash in and for a boxer he’s 100 points ahead… some take 2 fists and give 1000 but the third they fall.”

via Imago
Bildnummer: 07986704 Datum: 10.02.1990 Copyright: imago/Colorsport
James (Buster) Douglas knocks out Mike Tyson, 10/02/1990. Tokyo. Boxing 1990. PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxPOLxUSAxONLY ; Boxen xmk 1990 quer o0 KO Knockout K O
Image number 07986704 date 10 02 1990 Copyright imago Color Sports James Buster Douglas Knock out Mike Tyson 10 02 1990 Tokyo Boxing 1990 PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxPOLxUSAxONLY boxing xmk 1990 horizontal o0 KO Knockout K o
Then, Mike Matta succinctly sums up Tyson’s legacy, declaring, “One of the best boxers ever.”
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The story of Tyson’s loss is a saga. It shows the unpredictability of sports. The controversy and debates continue till date. Moreover, the impact of that night in Tokyo resonates. However, despite this loss, Tyson’s impact in the arena of boxing is indelible. Furthermore, Tyson continues to make his impact in boxing by his podcast Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson and is currently training Francis Ngannou for his forthcoming bout with Tyson Fury.
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Do you think Tyson was robbed? Share your thoughts in the comments section below. Let’s keep the conversation going!
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