Mike Tyson is widely regarded as one of the most feared boxers in the history of the sport.
His combination of speed, power, and fearlessness made him an unstoppable force in the ring.
While there are many Mike Tyson knockouts to choose from, these five stand out as some of the most devastating and memorable.
From stunning one-punch knockouts to multi-round beatdowns, these are some of the most impressive Mike Tyson knockouts.
1) KO of Trevor Berbick
Mike Tyson’s first major knockout victory came against Trevor Berbick in November 1986.
Berbick, the reigning WBC heavyweight champion at the time, was no match for Tyson’s ferocious punching power.
From the opening bell, Tyson went on the offensive, stalking Berbick and looking for an opening. It didn’t take long for him to find one.
In the second round, Tyson landed a massive right hand that sent Berbick crashing to the canvas. Berbick managed to get back to his feet, but it was clear he was in trouble.
Tyson didn’t let up, swarming Berbick with a barrage of punches that had the champion reeling. Another right hand landed flush on Berbick’s chin, sending him down for the second time in the round. This time, he didn’t get up.
The knockout was a statement win for Tyson, who became the youngest heavyweight champion in history at just 20 years old.
It also marked the beginning of his reign as the most feared fighter on the planet. Tyson would go on to have many more memorable knockouts, but his dismantling of Berbick will always be remembered as one of his best.
2) KO of Michael Spinks
Mike Tyson’s devastating knockout of Michael Spinks is widely regarded as one of his most impressive performances.
The fight took place on June 27, 1988, in Atlantic City, and it was for the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world.
At the time, Spinks was considered one of the greatest boxers of his era. He had an undefeated record and was the reigning IBF, WBA, and Lineal heavyweight champion.
However, Tyson was a force to be reckoned with and had already earned a reputation for his fierce and aggressive fighting style.
The fight was over before it even really started.
From the opening bell, Tyson charged at Spinks with a flurry of punches. Spinks was no match for Tyson’s relentless assault, and it was clear he was in trouble.
Within 91 seconds, Tyson had delivered a crushing right hook to Spinks’ chin, sending him crashing to the canvas.
Spinks struggled to get up, but the referee counted him out, and the fight was over.
The knockout was so brutal that it became an instant classic, and it’s still considered one of the greatest knockouts in boxing history.
Tyson’s incredible power and speed were on full display, and it was clear that he was in a league of his own.
In the aftermath of the fight, Tyson cemented his status as the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. He had defeated one of the greatest boxers of his era in just 91 seconds, and it was clear that he was the most dominant heavyweight of his generation.
The KO of Michael Spinks remains a testament to Mike Tyson’s incredible skill and power, and it will forever be remembered as one of the most impressive moments in boxing history.
3) KO of Larry Holmes
Another legendary boxer to fall victim to Mike Tyson’s wrath was Larry Holmes.
Holmes, a former heavyweight champion himself, was considered by many to be past his prime at the time of his bout against Tyson.
But that did little to take away from the impact of the knockout that came just 1 minute and 33 seconds into the fourth round.
Tyson started off strong, landing a series of powerful punches on Holmes in the early rounds. But it was the fourth round that saw the end of the match.
A series of brutal uppercuts sent Holmes reeling into the ropes, his legs visibly wobbly.
Tyson then landed a final, devastating right hand that sent Holmes to the canvas.
Though he managed to get back to his feet, the referee quickly stopped the fight, declaring Tyson the winner by TKO.
The KO of Larry Holmes was significant for several reasons.
It cemented Tyson’s place as a dominant force in the heavyweight division, and it was also a moment of redemption for Tyson, who had previously sparred with Holmes as a teenager and was reportedly bullied by him.
For Tyson, it was a moment of sweet revenge and a defining moment in his already impressive career.
Overall, Mike Tyson’s knockouts were a spectacle to behold. They were swift, powerful, and often left opponents on the canvas struggling to regain their senses. The KO of Larry Holmes is just one example of Tyson’s ability to deliver a devastating punch and leave his mark on boxing history.
