Boxing

The five greatest moments of Mike Tyson's career as he gets ready for huge Jake Paul fight

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Mike Tyson returns to action this weekend when he faces Jake Paul in one of the biggest events of 2024 as he looks to create another landmark moment in his career.

During his 1980s peak, Tyson was one of boxing’s most menacing fighters as he raced to the top of heavyweight rankings with numerous impressive displays.

Here, DAZN looks back at Tyson’s career and picks out some of his standout moments.

Becoming division ruler

Tyson had already demonstrated his incredible speed and power when becoming world champion, but he finally became the undisputed king at heavyweight when beating Michael Spinks.

Spinks had enjoyed a brilliant run at light-heavyweight before arriving amongst boxing’s big men, and he added to his legacy with two wins over Larry Holmes.

Entering the ring unbeaten against Tyson, Spinks was blown away in a matter of seconds as Tyson took his profile and brutal reputation to a new level.

Winning his first world title

Tyson’s rise was confirmed in 1986 when he destroyed Trevor Berbick in two rounds to become the youngest ever heavyweight champion by winning the WBC title.

The heavy-handed New Yorker was relentless from the opening bell as he jumped on Berbick before stopping him in the second session.

Berbick looked stunned when hitting the floor and when trying to rise, he continued to fall repeatedly as Tyson brought in a new era at heavyweight.

Read next | Can Mike Tyson beat Jake Paul?

Destroying the legendary Larry Holmes

In 1988, Tyson was well on his way to becoming a huge mainstream star and he needed some major names with star power to increase his popularity stakes.

Enter Larry Holmes. The man who ruled the early part of the 1980s was taking on the new king and he quickly realised just how good Tyson was.

Tyson dominated from the outset, and he finally removed Holmes from the contest in the fourth round.

Spectacular comeback

Tyson’s time in boxing was cut short when he went to prison in 1992 after being convicted of rape.

Returning to the ring after being released, Tyson had the entire world watching when he stepped into the ring with Peter McNeeley.

Tyson wasted little time in reminding people of the talent he possessed as he walked through McNeeley and won in the first round.

Becoming world champion for a second time

Just a few months after disposing of McNeeley, Tyson was once again back in the world title picture as he welcomed WBC champion Frank Bruno to America.

Tyson already held a win over the popular Brit in a fight that took place in 1989, and he had to beat him again to become two-time champion.

Bruno looked terrified as he walked to the ring and his fears were justified as Tyson defeated him easily in three one-sided rounds.

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