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

Mike Tyson is currently preparing for his first licenced boxing match in over 19 years with his bout against Jake Paul taking place in Texas on November 15.

That clash will represent another headline moment for the 58-year-old after a storied professional career which included a reign as undisputed world heavyweight champion.

However, on this day 28 years ago, Tyson suffered his second defeat in the paid ranks as he lost his WBA heavyweight title to Evander Holyfield.

Tyson had required just eight rounds to overcome his previous four opponents and he was the overwhelming favourite to take care of Holyfield who had lost two of his previous four fights.

Rather than the fight following the expected path, Holyfield produced a famous performance that saw him initially withstand Tyson's trademark pressure before taking over in the second half of the contest.

In the sixth round of the showdown at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Tyson was dropped by a left shortly after a headbutt, deemed accidental, from Holyfield had opened up a cut.

By the 10th, Tyson was hanging on. Wild attempts at punches were being countered by Holyfield and he was fortunate to make it out for the penultimate round.

The referee had soon seen enough, though, with Tyson on the brink of being battered into submission on the ropes before the official waved it off, Holyfield being crowned world heavyweight champion for a third time.

Written by
Darren Plant