Mike Tyson and Michael Jordan once almost squared off during a birthday dinner. The two of the greatest athletes of all time were dominating their respective sports at the time. As it turns out, Mike Tyson tried to challenge Michael Jordan to a fight over his relationship with Tyson’s then-wife, Robin Givens.

The incident took place in 1988 at a birthday dinner arranged for NFL star Richard Dent. Mike Tyson had already cemented his name as one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time. One year ago, he had become the youngest boxer ever to unify the WBA, WBC, and IBF titles.

As a result, he was officially the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, still undefeated inside the ring. On the other hand, Michael Jordan wouldn’t win his first ring till 1991. However, he had established himself as a bona fide superstar in the NBA after the Chicago Bulls drafted him in 1984.

Mike Tyson and Michael Jordan almost squared off at a birthday dinner

Mike Tyson had started dating Hollywood actress Robin Givens in 1987. The Boomerang (1992) star married Tyson in 1988. However, the marriage took an ugly turn within months.

In fact, Givens accused Tyson of spousal abuse. The high-profile celebrity marriage made headlines in the news regularly. Meanwhile, Jordan had a brief affair with Givens at that time.

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As it turns out, Tyson didn’t like the fact that Jordan had an affair with his wife. Therefore, the legendary boxer confronted the Bulls legend at a party.

“Mike stares across the table at Michael Jordan. He says, ‘Hey man, you think I’m stupid? I know you f***** with my b****,‘” reported Rory Hollway, one of Tyson’s managers present at the party.

“Jordan looks like he just seen a ghost,” he added. “Mike telling everyone he’s going to bust Jordan’s a**. Jordan’s dressed sharp as always and he can’t get out of there fast enough.”

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Incidentally, Tyson had been drinking that night. According to Hollway, alcohol brought the worst out of Mike. Therefore, the situation soon spiraled out of control.

Mike Tyson and Robin Givens

Robin Givens filed for divorce in October 1988. On the other hand, Tyson claimed that the Blankman (1994) star wanted to extort money from him.

As a result, Givens filed a libel suit of $125 million, accusing Tyson of defamation of character. Their divorce was finalized next year in February.

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However, it is quite evident that Michael Jordan wanted no part in a fight with Iron Mike Tyson that night. The six-time NBA champion would marry his first wife Juanita Vanoy in 1989.