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“Party All Night Before the Fight?”: As ‘Match Fixing’ Allegations Against Don King Resurfaces, Fans Rip Apart Mike Tyson for His Negligence That Caused Devastating Buster Douglas Loss

Published 10/11/2023, 3:19 PM EDT

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In a recent podcast interview that sent ripples through the boxing world, former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson dropped a bombshell: allegations of fixed fights and manipulated outcomes orchestrated by none other than the infamous promoter, Don King. Tyson’s claims, if true, could shake the very foundations of the sport. Don King is a figure that is synonymous with having a shady personality. He was a notorious figure known to either make or break your career. He is also single-handedly blamed for ruining Tyson’s career.

Tyson’s revelations center around his 1990 about against Buster Douglas in Tokyo, a match infamous for a suspiciously extended 10-count after an eighth-round uppercut floored Douglas. This night was labeled as Boxing’s Biggest Upset. With these allegations now in the open, fans are posting scathing comments about what might have actually transpired that night.

Fans take A dig at Mike Tyson

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Tyson stated that these questionable incidents were not isolated. He alleged that powerful figures, including King, engaged in covert tactics, manipulating odds and colluding with referees to guarantee Tyson’s defeats, sometimes without his opponents realizing they were part of a rigged match. However, fans pointed out that it was mostly hearsay, and Mike had spent the previous night partying.

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One fan commented how despite “help” from the referee, Buster still got up after a K.O.And Mike still knocked Buster out. But with a little help from the ref. With that long dragged-out 10 count. Bust got back on his feet.”

 A skeptic pointed out that Mike Tyson’s training for that night was quite unusual. “.Did Mike train like he should have?! No. Did Mike party all night before the fight?! Yes.”

A fan sarcastically commented that things were rigged, and it’s up to facts to determine whose favor they were in.“Yeah, Buster was supposed to dive.”

Another user pointed out that it was perhaps Buster’s prowess that set Mike up for a knockout. “Douglas’s left jab set him up for a knockout! “

Finally, this comment on what likely caused the infamous night to have such an infamous end.“Mike partied all night to early hours with Bobby Brown in Japan. He and Bobby Brown said that years ago. Both dabbing in nose candy.”

The implications of Tyson’s accusations are significant. They cast a shadow over the integrity of countless boxing matches, raising doubts about the authenticity of wins and losses in a sport that relies heavily on the honesty and fairness of its participants.

Mike Tyson and his long issues with Don King

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Unsurprisingly, Tyson’s explosive accusations have ignited a fierce debate within the boxing community. Calls for fans, pundits, and fellow athletes demanding transparency and accountability. The credibility of boxing as a sport hangs in the balance, prompting governing bodies and regulatory authorities to address these allegations seriously.

According to Shadow League,  Mike Tyson made shocking allegations about fixed fights in boxing. Tyson claimed that promoter Don King manipulated match outcomes by colluding with referees and manipulating odds. He specifically pointed to his 1990 bout against Buster Douglas in Tokyo, where a prolonged 10-count raised suspicions. Tyson’s accusations have ignited a debate in the boxing community, with calls for investigations into these claims to ensure fairness and transparency in the sport.

Don King, a polarizing figure in boxing history, has faced accusations before. However, Tyson’s bold decision to publicly call him out adds a new dimension to the controversy.

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As the dust settles, the boxing world stands at a crossroads. Will Tyson’s accusations lead to a thorough cleaning of the sport, ensuring fair play and transparency for future generations of fighters? Or will they become another footnote in the controversial history of boxing, leaving fans and participants alike disillusioned? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Tyson’s claims have unleashed a storm that could reshape the sport’s landscape, forcing it to confront its demons and emerge stronger, more transparent, and truly worthy of the admiration it commands.

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Written by:

Simona Pereira

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Simona Isha Pereira is a Boxing writer at EssentiallySports. With a background in content creation, Simona thrives on the raw energy and riveting pre-game drama as much as the bouts themselves. One of Simona's defining moments in boxing occurred during the "Terence vs.
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Edited by:

Tripti Sarda