How many times did Holyfield fight Tyson? This is a question that has intrigued boxing fans for decades. The legendary rivalry between Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield spanned over a decade and featured three epic battles that would go down in the annals of boxing history.
Mike Tyson, known as the “Baddest Man on the Planet,” was a formidable force in the boxing world during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Evander Holyfield, on the other hand, was a skilled and resilient fighter who would challenge Tyson’s reign as the heavyweight champion. The two men would eventually face off in three memorable matchups, each with its own unique story and outcome.
The first fight between Tyson and Holyfield took place on November 9, 1990, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. This bout, known as “The Real Deal,” was a classic heavyweight showdown. Tyson, who was the defending champion, entered the ring with a record of 37-0 and was considered the favorite. However, Holyfield, who had won the WBA heavyweight title earlier that year, was determined to dethrone the champion. The fight was a back-and-forth battle, with both fighters displaying their power and boxing skills. In the 11th round, Tyson landed a powerful right hand that sent Holyfield to the canvas. The referee counted to eight before Holyfield got back to his feet, and the fight was ruled a technical knockout in favor of Tyson. This victory would mark the beginning of their legendary rivalry.
The second fight between Tyson and Holyfield occurred on June 28, 1996, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena once again. By this time, Holyfield had become the undisputed heavyweight champion, and he was eager to avenge his previous defeat. This fight, known as “The Rematch,” was a highly anticipated event. The fight was a war, with both fighters exchanging powerful punches and showing their determination. In the 11th round, Holyfield landed a devastating left hook that sent Tyson to the canvas. The referee counted to eight, and once again, Holyfield got back to his feet. This time, the fight was ruled a technical knockout, and Holyfield avenged his previous loss. This victory would earn Holyfield the lineal heavyweight championship.
The final fight between Tyson and Holyfield took place on June 7, 1997, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena for the third time. This fight, known as “The Third Battle,” was a rematch for the undisputed heavyweight championship. The fight was another intense battle, with both fighters showing their hearts and determination. In the 11th round, Holyfield landed a series of punches that sent Tyson to the canvas. The referee counted to eight, and this time, Tyson was unable to get back to his feet. The fight was ruled a technical knockout, and Holyfield retained his undisputed heavyweight championship.
In conclusion, Evander Holyfield fought Mike Tyson three times in their legendary rivalry. While Tyson won the first fight, Holyfield avenged his defeat in the second and third fights, securing the undisputed heavyweight championship in the process. These three epic battles will forever be remembered as some of the greatest matchups in boxing history.
