Today in Sports History: March 16

In 1996, American professional boxer, Mike Tyson, defeatedBritish professional boxer, and his final fight, Frank Bruno, in three rounds on a TKO to win the heavyweight championship. Tyson and Bruno had met before in 1989, when Tyson defended his heavyweight title, by knocking out Bruno within the fifth round. 

Tyson, at age 20, became the youngest heavyweight champion within boxing history. His amateur record was 24-3 and then turned professional in 1985. Tyson lacked the classic heavyweight boxer’s look but was quick and aggressive while in the ring. 

His overall professional record was 58 total fights, 50 wins, 6 losses, and 44 knockouts. Tyson won the World Boxing Council in 1986, won the World Boxing Association heavyweight championship, and the International Boxing Federation championship in 1987. 

Tyson didn’t have a lot of signature fights that stuck out when his name was announced except for his win against Michael Spinks and Larry Holmes. He dominated his opponents and really made a name for himself. 

Throughout his career, Tyson made a great name for himself within the sport of boxing. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2011 and in 2013 into the Vegas Hall of Fame. 

Tyson came out of retirement, at age 54, for one exhibition match against Ray Jones Jr, who was 51, in November of 2020.

Related articles

Comments

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Share article

ADVERTISEMENT