Mike Tyson started his pro boxing career on March 6, 1985, defeating Hector Mercedes in the first round. By November 1986, at 20 years and 4 months, he was the youngest WBC heavyweight champion in the world. He had 27 wins by then, primarily by knockout. His trainer, Cus D’Amato, died in 1985 and didn’t see his success. Tyson won the WBA title in 1986 and the IBF title in 1987, becoming the undisputed champion.

But in 1990, Tyson faced his first loss to Buster Douglas. He won his next eight fights and regained the WBC and WBA titles. However, in 1996, he lost to Evander Holyfield and faced more controversy in their second fight. By the end of his boxing career, ‘The Baddest Man on the Planet’ had 50 wins under his name. After such an extensive career, it’s natural to look back and reflect on the imprints of one’s glory. ‘Iron Mike’ revealed in a recent interview the knockout he takes most pride in.

Which knockout is Mike Tyson most proud of?

In a recent interview with Daily Mail Sport Boxing, Tyson discussed his trainee, Francis Ngannou’s upcoming fight. As the conversation progressed, a particular topic grabbed the interviewer’s fancy. It was when the interviewer asked, ‘Kid Dynamite,’ “What would you say your proudest knockout was throughout your career?” Mike Tyson, then, replied, “Well, it was against Larry Holmes because he beat Muhammad Ali six years earlier. I was crying and said I’m going to avenge Ali.”

Trending

Gervonta Davis Exposes the Real Reason Floyd Mayweather Can’t Leave Dubai in a Social Media Post

April 27, 2024 01:48 PM EDT

Fans Have a Field Day as 50 Cent Makes Floyd Mayweather’s Day Go From Bad to Worse Amid Ongoing Feud With Gervonta Davis

April 28, 2024 04:37 AM EDT

Devin Haney Might Never Have to Fight Again as Payout for Ryan Garcia Bout Crosses $35 Million

April 26, 2024 07:53 AM EDT

“That Is a Hurtful Thing to See”: Devin Haney’s This Mistake Against Ryan Garcia Still Bothers Roy Jones Jr.

April 27, 2024 01:34 PM EDT

“RIP”: Claressa Shields Keeps Beef Aside to Mourn Rival Alycia Baumgardner’s Late Father

April 28, 2024 06:16 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest Boxing stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

It’s no news that Mike Tyson admired Muhammad Ali and watched him battle the top fighters of their time. Even though he felt a strong connection with ‘The Greatest,’ Tyson never aspired to emulate him. He saw himself more in line with fighters like Sonny Liston and Jack Dempsey.

Tyson felt crushed when Ali lost to Larry Holmes on October 2, 1980. Thus, eight years later, he avenged Ali’s defeat. The 1988 knockout of Holmes came in Tyson’s fifth title defense at age 21. While Tyson’s quickest wins against Michael Spinks and Trevor Berbick are often highlighted, his victory over Holmes stands out in hindsight.

How ‘Iron Mike’ avenged the loss of his idol ‘The Greatest’

The Mike Tyson vs. Larry Holmes fight happened on January 22, 1988, in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Both of the fighters were heavyweight champions then. Holmes had 48 wins, 3 losses, and 34 knockouts under his name. On the other hand, Tyson had 32 wins, 0 losses, and 28 knockouts.

“I Didn’t Wanna Be Like Muhammad Ali”: Mike Tyson Discloses His Boxing Icons and Confesses “Wanting to Be Mean”

Tyson controlled the match from the beginning. He landed strong punches on Holmes, knocking him down in the fourth round. The referee ended the fight, and Tyson won by technical knockout. This win confirmed Tyson as the leading heavyweight of his time. He displayed remarkable speed, power, and aggression in the ring. The clamor of this bout echoes to date as this was the day Mike avenged the loss of his idol.

Watch This Story: Every Time Mike Tyson Got Rocked in His Professional Boxing Career