Mike Tyson vs. Buster Douglas, billed as 'Tyson is Back!' was one of those nights that could never be forgotten. That said, here are 10 facts you didn't know about the biggest upset in boxing.
Boxing legends Sugar Ray Leonard and Evander Holyfield were present on the fight night as the guest analyst.
Tyson was undefeated, 37–0, and the reigning undisputed WBA, WBC, IBF, and The Ring heavyweight champion. Meanwhile, Douglas was 34-1-1 (1 NC) and was on a six-fight win streak.
Leading up to the fight, Douglas suffered several setbacks. His mother, Lula Pearl, died 23 days before the fight. Additionally, he had contracted the flu the day before the fight.
Tyson scored a knockdown by landing a vicious uppercut on Douglas’ chin in the eighth round. Douglas got back up by the ninth count. However, many believe it was a long count.
It was in the tenth round where Douglas managed to pull one of the greatest upsets in boxing history. Douglas landed a brutal uppercut followed by a four-punch combination, knocking Tyson down for the first time in his career.
Douglas earned approximately $1.3 million, while Tyson bagged in over $6 million.
Tyson's promoter Don King immediately protested the result, claiming that Douglas had been given a long count by the referee Octavio Meyran.
Initially, the WBA and WBC suspended recognition of Douglas as champion. However, four days later, Douglas was acknowledged as the champion by every commission.
Douglas' joy for his biggest accomplishment was ruined, considering the controversies surrounding the fight. It could have been some of the happiest days of his life.
Douglas's upset against Tyson is the inspiration for The Killers' song 'Tyson vs. Douglas' from their 'Wonderful Wonderful' album.
The fight appeared in the animated series, named 'Mike Tyson Mysteries,' in the episode 'Help a Brother Out.'