knocking out the undefeated heavyweight champion Mike Tyson
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Writer AndyKim
Hit 1,820 Hit
Date 25-02-11 15:27
Content
Below is a detailed account in English of the man famously known for knocking out the undefeated heavyweight champion Mike Tyson—an event that stunned the boxing world:
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### James "Buster" Douglas: The Man Who Knocked Out Mike Tyson
**Background and Early Career**
James “Buster” Douglas, born on April 13, 1960, in Columbus, Ohio, was a professional boxer known for his resilience and determination. Prior to his historic bout with Tyson, Douglas had built a respectable career. Although he wasn’t considered among the elite of the heavyweight division, his record and tenacity earned him a chance at the title.
**The Build-Up to the Fight**
By early 1990, Mike Tyson was widely regarded as invincible—an undefeated champion who had demolished all his opponents with overwhelming power and speed. Tyson’s reputation was that of a ferocious knockout artist, and he was coming off a long string of victories (he had been on a long, uninterrupted winning streak that made him the favorite in every matchup). In stark contrast, Douglas was seen as a massive underdog; the betting odds were astronomical (with Douglas being a 42-to-1 long shot).
**The Historic Bout – February 11, 1990**
The fight took place at the Tokyo Dome in Japan. In an atmosphere charged with anticipation and disbelief from the international media, Douglas entered the ring as a clear outsider. However, what unfolded was one of the most shocking upsets in boxing history.
- **Rounds Leading Up to the Knockout:**
The bout was competitive in its early rounds, with Douglas employing a disciplined strategy—using his reach, movement, and well-timed punches to counter Tyson’s aggression. He kept his composure against a champion who was known for his intimidating presence and explosive power.
- **The 10th Round – The Upset:**
In the 10th round, as the intensity in the ring reached its peak, Douglas launched a series of powerful combinations. In a moment that would go down in boxing lore, he delivered a devastating uppercut followed by a crushing left hook. The force of the punches sent Mike Tyson sprawling to the canvas. Tyson, unaccustomed to being on the defensive and caught off guard, was unable to recover. The referee counted Tyson out, awarding Douglas a knockout victory.
**Aftermath and Legacy**
Buster Douglas’s triumph over Mike Tyson is still remembered as one of the greatest upsets in sports history. The victory not only ended Tyson’s undefeated streak but also shook the very foundations of the heavyweight division. Douglas’s performance on that night showcased that with determination, preparation, and a tactical game plan, even the most dominant champion could be dethroned.
- **Impact on Boxing:**
The win catapulted Douglas into the international spotlight and forced the boxing world to reexamine the nature of upsets in the sport. While Douglas’s subsequent career did not consistently reach the heights that many had hoped for after his stunning victory, his achievement remains a symbol of the unpredictable and thrilling nature of boxing.
- **Cultural Significance:**
Even decades later, the “Tyson KO” by Douglas is frequently cited as a classic example of how underdogs can defy expectations. It has been referenced in documentaries, sports analyses, and popular culture as a reminder that in boxing—as in life—no outcome is ever guaranteed.
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In summary, James “Buster” Douglas became the man who knocked out a then-undefeated Mike Tyson, etching his name in history on February 11, 1990. His victory is a testament to the unpredictable nature of sport, the importance of belief, and the impact that a single, well-executed performance can have on the world stage.
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### James "Buster" Douglas: The Man Who Knocked Out Mike Tyson
**Background and Early Career**
James “Buster” Douglas, born on April 13, 1960, in Columbus, Ohio, was a professional boxer known for his resilience and determination. Prior to his historic bout with Tyson, Douglas had built a respectable career. Although he wasn’t considered among the elite of the heavyweight division, his record and tenacity earned him a chance at the title.
**The Build-Up to the Fight**
By early 1990, Mike Tyson was widely regarded as invincible—an undefeated champion who had demolished all his opponents with overwhelming power and speed. Tyson’s reputation was that of a ferocious knockout artist, and he was coming off a long string of victories (he had been on a long, uninterrupted winning streak that made him the favorite in every matchup). In stark contrast, Douglas was seen as a massive underdog; the betting odds were astronomical (with Douglas being a 42-to-1 long shot).
**The Historic Bout – February 11, 1990**
The fight took place at the Tokyo Dome in Japan. In an atmosphere charged with anticipation and disbelief from the international media, Douglas entered the ring as a clear outsider. However, what unfolded was one of the most shocking upsets in boxing history.
- **Rounds Leading Up to the Knockout:**
The bout was competitive in its early rounds, with Douglas employing a disciplined strategy—using his reach, movement, and well-timed punches to counter Tyson’s aggression. He kept his composure against a champion who was known for his intimidating presence and explosive power.
- **The 10th Round – The Upset:**
In the 10th round, as the intensity in the ring reached its peak, Douglas launched a series of powerful combinations. In a moment that would go down in boxing lore, he delivered a devastating uppercut followed by a crushing left hook. The force of the punches sent Mike Tyson sprawling to the canvas. Tyson, unaccustomed to being on the defensive and caught off guard, was unable to recover. The referee counted Tyson out, awarding Douglas a knockout victory.
**Aftermath and Legacy**
Buster Douglas’s triumph over Mike Tyson is still remembered as one of the greatest upsets in sports history. The victory not only ended Tyson’s undefeated streak but also shook the very foundations of the heavyweight division. Douglas’s performance on that night showcased that with determination, preparation, and a tactical game plan, even the most dominant champion could be dethroned.
- **Impact on Boxing:**
The win catapulted Douglas into the international spotlight and forced the boxing world to reexamine the nature of upsets in the sport. While Douglas’s subsequent career did not consistently reach the heights that many had hoped for after his stunning victory, his achievement remains a symbol of the unpredictable and thrilling nature of boxing.
- **Cultural Significance:**
Even decades later, the “Tyson KO” by Douglas is frequently cited as a classic example of how underdogs can defy expectations. It has been referenced in documentaries, sports analyses, and popular culture as a reminder that in boxing—as in life—no outcome is ever guaranteed.
---
In summary, James “Buster” Douglas became the man who knocked out a then-undefeated Mike Tyson, etching his name in history on February 11, 1990. His victory is a testament to the unpredictable nature of sport, the importance of belief, and the impact that a single, well-executed performance can have on the world stage.