****yzing Mike Tyson's title defenses

Mike Tyson was the heavyweight champion of the world after defeating Trevor Berbick in 1986, to 1990 when he lost his title in an upset to James Buster Douglas. During his reign, he accumulated 9 defenses of his belts, and this thread is meant for discussing the quality of opposition he faced during that period, and how his reign compares to that of other champions throughout history. Starting with his first defense:

James "Bonecrusher" Smith (19-5-1/14 KO's)

Smith was the WBA champion going to the fight, and was in his physical prime. He holds past victories over Mike Weaver and a green Frank Bruno, and was coming off an impressive first round knockout victory against Tim Witherspoon going into the fight.

Result: Tyson via lopsided 12-0 UD.


Pinklon "Pink" Thomas (29-1-1/23 KO's)

Thomas was a former world champion who won his belt from a game Tim Witherspoon and defended it once against Mike Weaver before losing it to Berbick. He was allegedly addicted to heroin, but there's no evidence he was abusing substances before the Tyson fight, only afterwards.

Result: Mike Tyson via 6th round KO after a dominant performance.

Tony "TNT" Tucker (34-0-0/29 KO's)

Tucker was the IBF champion of the world after the previous holder Michael Spinks opted not to face him and gave up his belt. He had somewhat of a protected career at that point but was coming off a victory over Buster Douglas before facing Mike. He also proved himself to be formidable later on in his career despite being faded, particularly against Lennox Lewis.

Result: Mike Tyson via a competitive, but sizeable UD.

Tyrell Biggs (15-0-0/10 KO's)

A stellar amateur and Olympic gold medalist with a victory over future champion Lennox Lewis, Biggs had victories over Renaldo Snipes and James Quick Tillis in the pros. Developed a cocaine addiction shortly after his professional debut, but was celan for several years before facing Mike. Also, somewhat struggled with journeyman David Bey, but still knocked him out.

Result: Tyson via a TKO in the 7th round, after a dominant performance.

Larry Holmes (48-2-0/33 KO's)

Former champion and all-time great Larry Holmes faced Mike Tyson in 1988. He came into the fight rusty after a long layoff and was not in ideal shape. However, he was still a formidable, if not elite fighter based on his performances against Ray Mercer and Evander Holyfield several years later, when he was older and in even worse physical shape.

Result: Mike Tyson via a TKO in the 4th round after a dominant performance.

Tony Tubbs (24-1-0/15 KO's)

A solid fighter with some good victories, but also came into the fight in atrocious shape and has a history of substance abuse. Overall the worst defense.

Result: Tyson via 2 round KO.

Michael Spinks: (4-0-0/2 KO's)

Spinks has a very thin and padded record at heavyweight, but he proved his worth by outboxing an undefeated Holmes twice, controversy aside. He also has a stoppage victory over a faded Gerry ****ey.

Result: Tyson via first round KO in a complete blowout.

Frank Bruno (32-2-0/31 KO's)

Bruno was in his prime and had several victories over contender such as Coetzee and Quick Tillis, as well as a good performance in a losing effort against Tim Witherspoon. Later on he proved to be a world-class fighter by giving Lennox Lewis a very tough fight and winning the title at the end of his career.

Carl Williams (22-2-0/15 KO's)

An exceptional boxer with excellent skills who according to many arguably outboxed Larry Holmes. However, he had somewhat of a questionable jaw and was stopped plenty later on in his career.

Result: Mike Tyson via 1st round TKO.

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That covers it all. How do you rate his defenses?