MX23RW : Saturday, April 27 09:04:04| >> :600:77725682:77725682:

On This Day: Evander Holyfield beats Mike Tyson in first fight

OTD: Holyfield beats Tyson in first fight
© Reuters
Evander Holyfield enjoyed many famous victories during his illustrious career, but it was on this day in 1996 when he defeated Mike Tyson for the first time.

Given all of the accolades that he has won during his career, you need more than two hands to count the number of notable achievements of Evander Holyfield.

However, it was on this day 25 years ago when he enjoyed one of his sweetest moments, upsetting the betting odds to outclass and stop Mike Tyson.

Holyfield, then 34 years of age, had endured a mixed few years, twice losing a version of the heavyweight title, and it was enough to make him the clear outsider against a relentless Tyson.

The big-punching WBA champion had only lost one fight at the time, almost seven years earlier to Buster Douglas, but Holyfield was not intimidated by reputations at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

While Tyson started strongly, Holyfield had the better of the fight, dropping his opponent in the sixth and almost having him out of there by the end of the 10th.

Tyson, hindered by a cut from accidental headbutts, was eventually stopped in the next round, to make Holyfield a world heavyweight champion for the third time.

ID:469628:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect1501:
Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Ex-boxer Mike Tyson gives an interview in London on October 6, 2013
Read Next:
OTD: Tyson knocked out by Douglas
>