via Getty
MOSCOW, RUSSIA NOVEMBER 28, 2017: American former professional boxer Mike Tyson at the Synergy Global Forum at Moscow’s Olimpiysky Arena. Valery Sharifulin/TASS (Photo by Valery SharifulinTASS via Getty Images)
via Getty
MOSCOW, RUSSIA NOVEMBER 28, 2017: American former professional boxer Mike Tyson at the Synergy Global Forum at Moscow’s Olimpiysky Arena. Valery Sharifulin/TASS (Photo by Valery SharifulinTASS via Getty Images)
Today marks a historic day in the sport of boxing. On this day exactly two decades ago, the British Boxing legend, Lennox Lewis, defeated the Baddest Man on Planet, Mike Tyson. Unfortunately, after this fight, Tyson never looked the same.
#OnThisDay 20 years ago:
Lennox Lewis retains undisputed world heavyweight championship with R8 knockout of former two-time champion Mike Tyson. The final title fight of Tyson’s career, 16 years after his first title triumph over Trevor Berbick back in 1986.#boxing #history #otd pic.twitter.com/F0D1ofUKOv— KT_BOXING (@KT_BOXING) June 8, 2022
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Lewis delivered a masterclass on June 8, 2002, against Tyson for the undisputed heavyweight championship. This bout was Tyson’s final fight for the heavyweight championship.
The incredible battle between Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis
Tyson has always been the most menacing fighter of his generation. However, this did not cause Lewis to falter on the big stage. Lewis delivered a clinical performance to put Iron Mike on the canvas. The whole world stood still as the Baddest Man on the Planet was knocked down.
via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NV – CIRCA 1991: Heavyweight fighter Mike Tyson, right, fights Donovan Ruddock, left, in a heavyweight fight circa 1991 at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
Even though Tyson’s defense is known to be impregnable, Lewis broke the two-time heavyweight champion down. Tyson couldn’t handle the barrage of heavy-hitting shots by Lewis. This time, Tyson wasn’t the fierce boxer he once was.
READ MORE: Nearly 25 Years After Their Fight, Mike Tyson Describes the Taste of Evander Holyfield’s Ear
Following a dominant display, Lewis knocked out Tyson in the eighth round with a strong right hand. Not only that, this ended up being the last title fight of Tyson’s career.
The biggest losses of Mike Tyson’s career
Tyson has won it all in boxing. However, the legendary boxer cannot boast a perfect record as he has been defeated by some incredible fighters. Tyson ended his career with a record of 50-6. The most surprising defeat of Tyson’s career came against the underdog Buster Douglas.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Douglas shockingly knocked out Iron Mike in 91 seconds. Additionally, Evander Holyfield remains the only fighter to defeat Tyson not only once but twice, including the infamous incident where Tyson bit Holyfield’s ear off.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WATCH THIS STORY: WATCH: Fighter Helps Opponent Relocate His Dislocated Shoulder Mid-Fight So They Could Continue Fighting
What do you think about Mike Tyson’s defeat against Lennox Lewis for the undisputed heavyweight title 20 years ago? Let us know in the comments below.
