Mike Tyson Vs Evander Holyfield – Video Rivalry Review

Between April 1986 and June 1988, Iron Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield were making a big splash in boxing.

Tyson took the heavyweight division by storm, while Holyfield took the cruiserweight division by storm. Mike won all 3 heavyweight titles of the day, and earned a valid claim as world heavyweight champion. Holyfield won all 3 major cruiserweight titles of the day, and earned a legitimate claim as the lineal cruiserweight champion of the world. This marked Holyfield as the first undisputed cruiserweight champion in the division’s history, and for Tyson, he became the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Leon Spinks last held that distinction nearly 10 years earlier.

The two initially agreed to fight at some point in 1990, but those plans were scrapped when Buster Douglas scored a shocking upset against Iron Mike. They were later scheduled to fight in November 1991, but that was postponed after Tyson injured a rib in training. The date was rescheduled for 1992, but those plans fell apart after Tyson was arrested. When they last fought on November 9, 1996 – both were past their best fighting days since the late 80s and early 90s. Tyson was the heavy favorite going into their first fight with Holyfield widely considered the hotshot. But Holyfield rose to the occasion and scored an 11th round stoppage for the upset win. Their second match took place the following year in June, and this time Tyson was disqualified for twice biting Holyfield’s ear.

This edition of Rummy’s Corner will provide a quick overview and review of the rivalry between Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield, from 1990 when they first agreed to fight, until 1997 when the two had their strange and unusual rematch. Please watch and enjoy the video for one man’s perspective. This is Rummy’s Corner (produced and narrated by Geoffrey Ciani).