Evander Holyfield vs Mike Tyson )Champion) 1 Date 9th November 1996 Location – MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas USA The fight between Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson, often referred to as 'Holyfield vs Tyson 1', took place on 9th November 1996 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. This was a significant event in the world of boxing, as it was a match between two of the sport's most prominent figures. Holyfield was considered the underdog going into the fight, with Tyson being the reigning WBA (World Boxing Association) champion. Tyson had regained his title after serving a prison sentence and was seen as the more powerful and aggressive fighter. However, Holyfield, a former champion himself, was known for his resilience and tactical approach. The fight was scheduled for twelve rounds, but Holyfield managed to secure a technical knockout in the 11th round, stunning the boxing world. He used his superior boxing skills and strategy to withstand Tyson's powerful punches and counter-attack effectively. Holyfield's victory in 'Holyfield vs Tyson 1' was a major upset in boxing history. It not only marked the return of Holyfield to the pinnacle of heavyweight boxing but also the beginning of Tyson's decline. The fight is remembered for Holyfield's tactical brilliance and the shock defeat of Tyson. Fight link - This content is protected Evander Holyfield (Champion) v s Mike Tyson 2 Date 28th June 1997 Location - MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas USA The second bout between Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield, often referred to as 'The Bite Fight', took place on 28th June 1997 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The rematch was one of the most controversial events in modern sports history. In the third round, Tyson was disqualified for biting Holyfield on both ears. The first bite took a chunk out of Holyfield's right ear, which led to a temporary stoppage but the match was resumed. After the match resumed, Tyson bit Holyfield's other ear, leading to his disqualification. This act resulted in a melee in the ring and Tyson was fined $3 million and his boxing license was temporarily revoked by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. The incident attracted worldwide attention and the fight remains one of the most controversial in boxing history. It also marked a significant turning point in Tyson's career, as his image and reputation suffered greatly. Despite the controversy, the Tyson vs Holyfield fights are remembered as some of the most exciting and dramatic in the history of heavyweight boxing. They showcased the skill and determination of both fighters, and remain a significant part of boxing history. Fight link This content is protected Evander Holyfield (Champion) vs Lennox Lewis (Champion) 1 &2 Date 13th March 1999 Location – Madison Square Garden, NY USA The match between Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield was a significant event in the world of boxing. The two fighters faced each other twice in 1999, with the first match ending in a controversial draw and the second seeing Lewis emerge as the undisputed heavyweight champion. The first bout took place on 13th March 1999 at Madison Square Garden in New York. Despite many observers believing that Lewis had dominated the fight, the judges' decision was a split draw. This result was highly controversial and led to an investigation by the New York State Athletic Commission, although no wrongdoing was found. The controversy surrounding the first fight led to a rematch, which was held on 13th November 1999 in Las Vegas. This time, Lewis emerged victorious, winning by unanimous decision and becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. This was a significant achievement, as he was the first British boxer to hold this title in the 20th century. Both fights were notable for their intensity and the skill displayed by both boxers. Lewis's victory in the second fight was seen as a vindication, given the controversy of the first match. Meanwhile, Holyfield's performance cemented his reputation as one of the toughest fighters in the sport. Fight link 1 - This content is protected Fight link 2 - This content is protected Lennox Lewis (Champion) vs Mike Tyson Date 8th June 2002 Location – The Pyramid, Memphis, Tennessee USA Lennox Lewis, a British boxer, was the reigning champion of the World Boxing Council (WBC), International Boxing Federation (IBF), and International Boxing Organisation (IBO). Mike Tyson, an American boxer, was a former undisputed heavyweight champion looking to reclaim his titles. Leading up to the fight, there was considerable hype and controversy. The initial press conference in New York ended in a brawl, which resulted in the Nevada State Athletic Commission refusing to sanction the fight. Eventually, the match was held at the Pyramid Arena in Memphis, Tennessee. The fight was one of the most anticipated in boxing history, attracting a global audience. Lewis, who was the favourite, used his superior reach and power to control the fight from the outset. Tyson, known for his aggressive style and powerful punches, struggled to land significant blows. In the eighth round, Lewis landed a right cross that knocked Tyson out, securing his victory. With this win, Lewis solidified his place as one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of his era. The fight was named the 'Event of the Year' by Ring Magazine. Post-match, Tyson was gracious in defeat, praising Lewis for his performance. The fight marked a significant point in both their careers. For Lewis, it was a confirmation of his dominance in the heavyweight division. For Tyson, it was the beginning of the end of his professional boxing career. Fight Link This content is protected
