Mike Tyson recently admitted he had no clue how good Evander Holyfield was before they fought. The former heavyweight champ shared this insight during an ESPN interview, looking back on his career and giving credit where it's due.
In the mid-1980s, Tyson was the scariest guy in boxing. He started his pro career in 1985 and quickly racked up 19 wins, all by stoppage. Twelve of those knockouts came in the first round.
Just a year later, Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champ ever. At only 20 years old, he beat Trevor Berbick in the second round to grab the WBC belt. By 1987, he'd added the WBA and IBF titles too, becoming the undisputed champ at just 21.
But Tyson met his match in Evander Holyfield. They fought twice in 1996 and 1997, and both times didn't go well for 'Iron Mike'. In their first clash, Holyfield stopped Tyson in the 11th round to take the WBA heavyweight title.
Their rematch seven months later became infamous as 'The Bite Fight'. Tyson got disqualified in the third round for biting Holyfield's ear. Referee Mills Lane had to step in and end it.
Looking back now, Tyson's got a lot of respect for Holyfield's skills. He told ESPN:
"I'm a man, I'm not afraid to give credit where credit is due but I never had any idea he could fight as well as he did."
It's a big admission from a guy once known as the "baddest man on the planet". Tyson's words show how tough Holyfield really was, even if Tyson didn't see it coming at the time.
