
Mike Tyson, widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time, has a career full of memorable bouts, dramatic victories, and shocking upsets. If you’ve ever asked, “Who won the Mike Tyson fight?”, it’s crucial to understand the context of each battle. Tyson’s rise in the boxing world, his fall, and the extraordinary comeback all contributed to the legendary status he holds today. Let’s take a deep dive into some of Tyson’s most pivotal fights and who came out victorious.
Mike Tyson vs. Buster Douglas (1990) – The Shocking Upset
One of the most famous answers to the question “Who won the Mike Tyson fight?” came in 1990 when Buster Douglas defeated Tyson in a stunning upset. At the time, Tyson was undefeated and considered invincible. However, Douglas pulled off what is widely regarded as one of the biggest upsets in boxing history by knocking Tyson out in the 10th round. The loss marked the end of Tyson’s 37-0 streak and is a defining moment in the sport.
Key Takeaway:
- Winner: Buster Douglas
- Event: February 11, 1990, Tokyo Dome, Japan
- Result: Douglas won by 10th-round knockout
Mike Tyson vs. Evander Holyfield (1996 & 1997) – A Rivalry for the Ages
Another famous question regarding Tyson’s career is “Who won the Mike Tyson fight against Evander Holyfield?” The answer is a bit more complicated, as they had two legendary bouts.
- First Fight (1996) – Tyson faced Holyfield for the WBA Heavyweight title. The fight was intense, but Holyfield shocked the world when he defeated Tyson by 11th-round TKO. Tyson was leading on the scorecards, but Holyfield’s resilience proved to be the difference.
- Second Fight (1997) – This time, the match became infamous for the incident that most people remember: Tyson biting Holyfield’s ear. After Tyson bit off part of Holyfield’s ear in the third round, the fight was stopped, and Tyson was disqualified. This bizarre moment led to the fight being ruled a Holyfield victory by disqualification.
Key Takeaway:
- Winner (First Fight): Evander Holyfield
- Winner (Second Fight): Evander Holyfield (by disqualification)
- Event (First Fight): November 9, 1996, MGM Grand, Las Vegas
- Event (Second Fight): June 28, 1997, MGM Grand, Las Vegas
Mike Tyson vs. Lennox Lewis (2002) – The End of an Era
In 2002, Tyson faced the British boxing legend Lennox Lewis in a much-anticipated heavyweight title bout. Tyson was still a significant force in the boxing world, but Lewis’s technical mastery and superior reach proved too much for Tyson. Lewis defeated Tyson by 8th-round knockout, solidifying his place as the world’s top heavyweight boxer. This was a defining loss for Tyson, marking the end of his hopes for another world title.
Key Takeaway:
- Winner: Lennox Lewis
- Event: June 8, 2002, The Pyramid, Memphis, USA
- Result: Lewis won by 8th-round knockout
Mike Tyson’s Return: Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr. (2020) – An Exhibition Match
In 2020, at the age of 54, Tyson came out of retirement for an exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr., a fellow former world champion. The bout, held on November 28, 2020, in Los Angeles, was promoted as a way for fans to see two legends in the ring once more. Although the match was officially ruled a split draw, many spectators felt Tyson’s performance was impressive given his age. This fight was more about entertainment and nostalgia than determining a clear winner.
Key Takeaway:
- Result: Split draw (no winner)
- Event: November 28, 2020, Staples Center, Los Angeles
- Format: Exhibition match (no official winner)
Why Do People Still Ask “Who Won the Mike Tyson Fight?”
Tyson’s fights have transcended boxing. His ferocious style, rapid rise to fame, and dramatic fall have made him a global icon. The question “Who won the Mike Tyson fight?” often doesn’t refer to just one match, but to the ups and downs of his entire career. Tyson’s legacy isn’t defined by his losses but by his dominance in the ring, his incredible knockout power, and his complex personal story that continues to fascinate fans and media worldwide.
Conclusion: Tyson’s Legacy in the Boxing World
Mike Tyson’s career is filled with triumphs and disappointments, but one thing is certain: his impact on boxing is undeniable. From his devastating early knockouts to his later struggles, Tyson’s journey in the ring has captivated audiences around the globe. His fights with champions like Holyfield, Douglas, and Lewis are etched into boxing history, and his recent exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr. shows that Tyson still has a significant place in the sport’s legacy.
Whether you’re a long-time fan of Tyson or just discovering his story, the question “Who won the Mike Tyson fight?” is a doorway to understanding the highs and lows of one of boxing’s most intriguing and legendary figures.
FAQs About Mike Tyson’s Career
- Who won the Mike Tyson vs. Buster Douglas fight?
- Buster Douglas defeated Mike Tyson by 10th-round knockout in 1990.
- How many times did Mike Tyson fight Evander Holyfield?
- Tyson fought Holyfield twice: first in 1996, where Holyfield won by TKO, and then in 1997, when Tyson was disqualified for biting Holyfield’s ear.
- Did Mike Tyson ever fight Lennox Lewis?
- Yes, Tyson fought Lennox Lewis in 2002 and lost by 8th-round knockout.
- Did Mike Tyson win his exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr.?
- No, the exhibition match in 2020 ended in a split draw.