Mike Tyson vs. Evander Holyfield I: WBC’s Post Adds Fuel to Boxing’s Highly Debated Fight Among Fans

WBC shared an intriguing poster early today. It showed the faces of legends, Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield. On November 9, 1996, the two icons of the sport clashed for the first time. It ended up being a historical win for ‘The Real Deal’.

The post raised a question for all the followers: “Two warriors on the ring. Do you remember this fight?” It didn’t take much for the comments section to be flooded with the viewpoints and emotions of the followers. Incidentally, the man who inflicted ‘Iron’ Mike’s second career defeat too jumped on the bandwagon with a solid punch.

When They Met ‘Finally’

When he clashed with Mike Tyson on November 9, 1996, Evander Holyfield was already bereft of a world title. After losing it the first time to Riddick Bowe in 1992, he lost championship titles again two years later to Michael Moorer. A year later, he suffered another loss to Riddick Bowe. However, by 1996, he was ready to mount his third campaign for a world championship.

After losing his heavyweight championship to ‘Buster’ Douglas in 1990, Mike Tyson resumed boxing in 1995. He became a world champion a second time when he defeated Frank Bruno on March 16, 1996. However, a few months later, he vacated the belt and became the WBA heavyweight champion after knocking out Bruce Seldon. Two months later, the stage was ready for the first title defense.

Most boxing die-hards still remember the fight. In one corner stood a devastating hitter, and on the other was a boxer with a solid chin and the heart of a lion.

When they fought: Mike Tyson vs. Evander Holyfield

No two fans had similar views. Quite a few, obviously Tyson fans, held their own views on his form at the time. Though seemingly less, Holyfield fans, however, had their say as well. However, it was the ‘Real Deal’ Holyfield who heralded the gong with an emoji of a clenched fist. Soon thereafter, fans rushed in to announce their picks, and a lively debate soon followed.

The following fan loves both Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield. In many ways, their fight represented sheer menace going against an unbeatable attitude. Both were so divergent, the fan reckoned. “Love them both. Devastating intimidation vs. an indomitable heart; a contrast for the ages,” the fan said.

This follower believes that Mike Tyson wasn’t fit enough for the bout. But at the same time, Holyfield didn’t spare him either. Tyson had his moment but couldn’t follow it through. “I think Tyson was out shape, and of course Evander didn’t show no merc also Tyson has a good moment, but knockout didn’t come,” the follower said.

But the following user counters that Holyfield hadn’t fought a prime, Mike Tyson. From the late 1980s until the early 1990s, ‘Iron Mike was in his peak form. The user said, “I don’t think he fought prime Mike Tyson. I think Tyson was over the hill. I think prime Tyson is early ’90s and late ’80s.”

According to this fan, had Mike Tyson won the bout, he would have ruled boxing till the 2000s: “If Mike wins this, he probably reigns until early 2000.” Whereas the following user finds it ridiculous how Evander Holyfield stood as the heavy favorite to win amongst the oddsmakers. “Looking back now, it’s crazy to think oddsmakers had it as high as 25-1 for Holyfield to win when the fight was first announced,” the user said.”

As it eventually turned out, ‘The Real Deal’ won the first square-off with an eleventh-round technical win. But it was their second meeting that entered the history books. Infamous for the way Mike Tyson bit off Holyfield’s ear, the bout, initially billed ‘The Sound and the Fury’, gained widespread notoriety as ‘The Bite Fight’.

Watch This Story: Despite $3 Million Fine After Biting Evander Holyfield’s Ear Off, Mike Tyson Reveals Why It Was The Best Thing He Ever Did

What are your views on the first bout between Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

Read More: ‘He Didn’t Understand It’: Mike Tyson Reveals How Evander Holyfield’s Son Helped to Achieve the Unthinkable