Thirty Years Ago Today!

Thirty year ago today, 22nd November 1986 to be exact, Mike Tyson became the youngest heavyweight of all time.

Aged just 20, Tyson knocked out the reigning WBC champion Trevor Berbick, in Las Vegas to scribe his name in the history books, it is a record that still stands and could do for a considerable period.

There?s no mistaking that Tyson was one of a kind, the fighter had an aura about him that scared most of his opponents to death before the first bell had even sounded.

Tyson was a fearsome puncher;, if a single shot didn?t take you out then a barrage of punches would deprive you of your senses.

After losing in the 184 Olympic trials, Tyson wasted no time in turning professional, turning professional in 1995, Tyson made rapid progress taking 15 fights and winning them all, with 11 being won by first round knockouts.

1996 proved just as relentless with Tyson having a further 12 times before facing Berbick. After winning the WBC belt Tyson quickly moved on to unify the division beating Tony Tucker. Big names, including Larry Holmes, Michael Spinks and Frank Bruno were al blown away and it looked as if Tyson would reign supreme for as long as he wanted.

But Tyson?s private life was to drag him down to the level of mere mortal and in February 1990 James ?Buster? Douglas dethroned the champ. Tyson was to box on but that aura of invincibility had been blown away and he was never as fearsome as when he fought his way to the top.