Mike Tyson built an extremely successful career in the heavyweight division as he became the youngest world champion at the weight.
Mike Tyson was a ferocious knockout artist throughout his career, with only six of his 50 wins coming by way of a points decision, one of which came against Donovan ‘Razor’ Ruddock, who Tyson KO’d in their first encounter.
He retired after an unsuccessful comeback against Jake Paul at the age of 58.
Mike Tyson shares the key to boxing greatness
In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Tyson answered the question: “What is the most important skill for a boxer?”
He answered: “There’s nothing that beats determination. The will to win, that’s the number one.”
“If you don’t have that, forget it. Don’t even start doing what you plan on doing.”
In the same interview, Tyson praised David Benavidez as a fighter to watch closely.
Despite a handful of losses, Tyson, who scored an 8-second KO once, is one of the most well-known faces in the sport, and certainly knows a thing or two about success.
Who was Mike Tyson unable to knock out?
Aside from the men he lost to, and Ruddock, who Tyson KO’d before their rematch ended in a points decision, there are just a few men who have survived Tyson’s onslaught.
The first was James Tillis, who ruined Tyson’s 19-fight-long KO streak in 1986, though Tyson did drop him in the fight, which was a ten-rounder.
The next was Mitch Green, a gangster whose eye socket was broken by Tyson in a street brawl after their fight in the ring.
His next decision win came a year later against James ‘Bonecrusher’ Smith, who Frank Bruno said was his toughest fight.
Later that year, Tony Tucker survived to the final bell too.