Former world heavyweight champion, Mike Tyson, is widely regarded as a living legend and one of boxing’s most iconic fighters. Meanwhile, Shohei Baba AKA Giant Baba was one of Japan’s most beloved wrestlers. He is also the co-founder of the All Japan Pro Wrestling promotion. And, in an intriguing crossover of sorts, Tyson and Baba chanced a meeting in 1990.

Tyson faced Buster Douglas at the Tokyo Dome in Japan on February 11, 1990. Moreover, he was training in the country in preparation for the same.

This was when Baba made it a point to meet the heavyweight champ and extend his support for his upcoming fight. And, there is no denying that Tyson was elated to meet the wrestling legend.

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It is also worth noting that the formidable heavyweight looked small next to the towering Baba who stood 6 feet 10 inches.

Did partying make Mike Tyson lose his titles to Buster Douglas?

Mike Tyson had his WBA, WBC, and IBF heavyweight titles on the line when he faced Buster Douglas. Moreover, he was also fighting for the vacant The Ring heavyweight title. However, the then-undefeated Tyson lost via knockout to the 42-1 underdog Douglas. Fans were shocked to see Tyson lose and were quick to call it one of the biggest upsets in the history of boxing.

Tyson believed that the loss was completely his fault. In fact, he even detailed the same in his autobiography, ‘The Undisputed Truth’. Talking about his loss, he mentioned that he spent more time partying and meeting women, than training. Tyson said, “On January 8, 1990, I got aboard a plane to fly to Tokyo. Kicking and screaming. I didn’t want to fight; all I was interested in then was partying and f*cking women.”

He further added, “I didn’t consider Buster Douglas much of a challenge. I didn’t even bother watching any of his fights on video.”

Additionally, Tyson also mentioned that he thought Douglas was an easy opponent, as he easily beat the people who had knocked Douglas out.

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What are your thoughts on the Tyson Baba meeting? Share your thoughts in the comments below.