What was Mike Tyson's shortest fight?
What was Mike Tyson's shortest fight?
By Arslan Saleem March 15, 2024 01:04
Mike Tyson, renowned for his ferocious fighting style and quick knockouts, had a prolific career in professional boxing, marked by numerous impressive victories. Among his many fights, one stands out as the shortest and quickest of them all - the bout against Marvis Frazier on July 26, 1986. This article delves into the specifics of this historic fight, providing a comprehensive analysis and intricate details of the event.
The Fight: Mike Tyson vs. Marvis Frazier
Background and Build-Up
Before facing Frazier, Tyson had established a dominant presence in the boxing world. Having won fifteen fights by knockout, with most ending in the first round, Tyson's reputation as a fearsome opponent preceded him. On the other hand, Marvis Frazier, the son of former world champion Joe Frazier, was regarded as an up-and-coming prospect. However, he entered the fight as an overwhelming underdog, with critics questioning the decision to face Tyson.
The Fight Sequence
The fight took place at the Civic Center in Glens Falls, New York, and lasted a mere 30 seconds, making it the quickest victory of Tyson's professional career. Tyson quickly had Frazier on the defensive, using his left jab to back Frazier into the ropes. Frazier then retreated to the corner where Tyson continued to use his left jab before unleashing two consecutive uppercuts, the second of which knocked Frazier unconscious. Tyson then landed several more blows before Frazier fell to the canvas, slumped against the ropes. Referee Joe Cortez began to count to ten, but as Frazier was clearly unresponsive, stopped the count at five and ended the fight.
Broadcast and Reception
The Tyson-Frazier fight was broadcasted by ABC as part of its Wide World of Sports anthology series, with Jim Lampley as the lead commentator and Alex Wallau as the analyst. The fight garnered significant attention due to its brevity and Tyson's unparalleled display of power and speed.
Tyson's Post-Fight Journey
Following his victory over Frazier, Tyson continued his blistering pace, taking on subsequent fights against Jose Ribalta and Alfonzo Ratliff, both of which he won by knockout. These wins set the stage for his historic match against Trevor Berbick in November of the same year, where he became the youngest heavyweight champion in boxing history.
Impact and Legacy
The fight against Marvis Frazier stands as a testament to Tyson's exceptional skill and dominance in the ring. It solidified his reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the world of boxing, setting the stage for his legendary career and earning him a place in boxing history.
The bout between Mike Tyson and Marvis Frazier on July 26, 1986, remains etched in boxing history as Tyson's shortest fight, lasting only 30 seconds. This remarkable victory showcased Tyson's unparalleled speed, power, and fighting prowess, leaving an indelible mark on the sport of boxing.