Mike Tyson’s Professional Losses: All the Boxers Who Beat the Legend

Mike Tyson’s boxing career was marked by incredible power and dominance, but he also experienced defeats against formidable opponents. In this article, we explore the boxers who managed to overcome the legend, Mike Tyson, examining the circumstances and outcomes of these significant bouts.

Mike Tyson’s Losses

Buster Douglas: On February 11, 1990, James “Buster” Douglas shocked the world by defeating Mike Tyson. The fight took place in Tokyo, Japan, and Douglas emerged victorious with a stunning knockout in the 10th round, ending Tyson’s undefeated reign as the heavyweight champion. Douglas displayed exceptional skill and determination, utilizing his height and reach advantage to frustrate Tyson and deliver a devastating uppercut that secured his place in boxing history.

Evander Holyfield: The first encounter between Tyson and Evander Holyfield took place on November 9, 1996. Holyfield, a skilled and resilient fighter, dominated the bout and stopped Tyson in the 11th round, claiming the WBA heavyweight title. Holyfield’s relentless style and ability to withstand Tyson’s attacks proved to be the key to his victory. Their rematch on June 28, 1997, would become infamous for the biting incident that led to Tyson’s disqualification. Despite the controversy, Holyfield’s win over Tyson remains a significant achievement in his career.

Lennox Lewis: On June 8, 2002, Tyson faced off against Lennox Lewis in a highly anticipated heavyweight showdown. Lewis, known for his technical prowess and size advantage, proved to be too much for Tyson. Lewis dominated the fight and eventually knocked Tyson out in the eighth round, solidifying his status as the undisputed heavyweight champion. Lewis’ combination of skill, strategy, and power showcased the gap between him and Tyson at that stage of their careers.

Danny Williams: On July 30, 2004, Tyson fought British heavyweight Danny Williams. In a shocking upset, Williams landed a powerful overhand right that sent Tyson to the canvas in the fourth round. The referee stopped the fight, giving Williams a TKO victory and adding to Tyson’s list of defeats. Williams capitalized on Tyson’s decline and vulnerability, seizing the opportunity to make a name for himself with a memorable victory.

Kevin McBride: In his final professional bout on June 11, 2005, Tyson faced Kevin McBride. After several lackluster rounds, McBride took control in the sixth round, overpowering a fatigued Tyson. Unable to continue, Tyson’s corner threw in the towel, resulting in a defeat by technical knockout. The fight against McBride marked the end of Tyson’s career and served as a symbol of his decline from the heights of his prime.

Conclusion

Throughout his illustrious career, Mike Tyson faced formidable opponents who managed to overcome the legendary boxer. Buster Douglas, Evander Holyfield, Lennox Lewis, Danny Williams, and Kevin McBride all achieved victories over Tyson, adding to the complexity and narrative of his extraordinary journey in the sport of boxing. These losses serve as reminders that even the greatest champions can be defeated, and they contribute to the rich tapestry of boxing history. Despite these setbacks, Tyson’s impact on the sport and his enduring legacy remain intact, solidifying his place as one of the most iconic figures in boxing.