Mike Tyson’s Final Fights Before Taking on Jake Paul- A Look Back at the Boxer’s Legacy

Who did Mike Tyson fight before Jake Paul? This question often arises among boxing enthusiasts and casual fans alike. Mike Tyson, known for his fierce and dominating boxing career, had a storied history in the ring before facing the internet sensation Jake Paul. In this article, we will delve into the fighters who squared off against Tyson prior to his match with Paul.

Mike Tyson’s boxing career began in 1985 when he won the WBC, WBA, and IBF heavyweight championships at the age of 20. Throughout his illustrious career, Tyson faced a plethora of formidable opponents. Before his famous match against Jake Paul, here are some of the notable fighters he encountered:

1.

James “Buster” Douglas

In 1990, Tyson faced James “Buster” Douglas in a highly anticipated heavyweight championship fight. Although Tyson was heavily favored to win, Douglas pulled off one of the greatest upsets in boxing history by knocking out Tyson in the 10th round.

2.

Evander Holyfield

Tyson’s rivalry with Evander Holyfield was one of the most intense in boxing history. They fought twice, with their first encounter in 1990 resulting in a controversial draw. Their second fight, in 1996, was a highly anticipated rematch that ended in a draw as well.

3.

Lennox Lewis

In 2002, Tyson faced Lennox Lewis, who was the reigning WBC, WBA, and IBF heavyweight champion at the time. The fight was a competitive match, with Lewis ultimately prevailing by a narrow decision.

4.

Frank Bruno

Before his fight with Jake Paul, Tyson faced Frank Bruno in 1996. The fight was a competitive match, with both fighters displaying their power and resilience. In the end, Bruno was declared the winner by a split decision.

5.

Reggie Bellew

Tyson’s final professional fight was against Reggie Bellew in 2005. Although it was not a championship fight, the match served as a farewell to Tyson’s boxing career.

Jake Paul’s fight against Mike Tyson was a highly anticipated event, as it brought together two different generations of boxing fans. While Tyson’s career was marked by his dominance in the ring, his fight against Paul served as a reminder of the enduring legacy he left behind. By exploring the fighters who faced Tyson before Jake Paul, we can appreciate the incredible journey that the former heavyweight champion embarked upon during his storied career.