“I Was Crying…”: Years After 50 Wins and Sensational Career-Highs, Mike Tyson Reveals His Most “Proudest Knockout” Ever

Mike Tyson started his pro boxing career on March 6, 1985, defeating Hector Mercedes in the first round. By November 1986, at 20 years and 4 months, he was the youngest WBC heavyweight champion in the world. He had 27 wins by then, primarily by knockout. His trainer, Cus D’Amato, died in 1985 and didn’t see his success. Tyson won the WBA title in 1986 and the IBF title in 1987, becoming the undisputed champion.

But in 1990, Tyson faced his first loss to Buster Douglas. He won his next eight fights and regained the WBC and WBA titles. However, in 1996, he lost to Evander Holyfield and faced more controversy in their second fight. By the end of his boxing career, ‘The Baddest Man on the Planet’ had 50 wins under his name. After such an extensive career, it’s natural to look back and reflect on the imprints of one’s glory. ‘Iron Mike’ revealed in a recent interview the knockout he takes most pride in.

Which knockout is Mike Tyson most proud of?

In a recent interview with Daily Mail Sport Boxing, Tyson discussed his trainee, Francis Ngannou’s upcoming fight. As the conversation progressed, a particular topic grabbed the interviewer’s fancy. It was when the interviewer asked, ‘Kid Dynamite,’ “What would you say your proudest knockout was throughout your career?” Mike Tyson, then, replied, “Well, it was against Larry Holmes because he beat Muhammad Ali six years earlier. I was crying and said I’m going to avenge Ali.”

It’s no news that Mike Tyson admired Muhammad Ali and watched him battle the top fighters of their time. Even though he felt a strong connection with ‘The Greatest,’ Tyson never aspired to emulate him. He saw himself more in line with fighters like Sonny Liston and Jack Dempsey.

Tyson felt crushed when Ali lost to Larry Holmes on October 2, 1980. Thus, eight years later, he avenged Ali’s defeat. The 1988 knockout of Holmes came in Tyson’s fifth title defense at age 21. While Tyson’s quickest wins against Michael Spinks and Trevor Berbick are often highlighted, his victory over Holmes stands out in hindsight.

How ‘Iron Mike’ avenged the loss of his idol ‘The Greatest’

The Mike Tyson vs. Larry Holmes fight happened on January 22, 1988, in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Both of the fighters were heavyweight champions then. Holmes had 48 wins, 3 losses, and 34 knockouts under his name. On the other hand, Tyson had 32 wins, 0 losses, and 28 knockouts.

Read More: “I Didn’t Wanna Be Like Muhammad Ali”: Mike Tyson Discloses His Boxing Icons and Confesses “Wanting to Be Mean”

Tyson controlled the match from the beginning. He landed strong punches on Holmes, knocking him down in the fourth round. The referee ended the fight, and Tyson won by technical knockout. This win confirmed Tyson as the leading heavyweight of his time. He displayed remarkable speed, power, and aggression in the ring. The clamor of this bout echoes to date as this was the day Mike avenged the loss of his idol.

Mike Tyson’s knockout of Larry Holmes wasn’t just another win; it was personal. It avenged his idol Muhammad Ali and showcased Tyson’s dominance in the heavyweight division. What are your thoughts about Mike’s victory over Holmes? Tell us in the comment section below!

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