When Mike Tyson Avenged Muhammad Ali’s Loss

‘The Baddest Man on The Planet’ Mike Tyson has always been open about his admiration for boxing GOAT Muhammad Ali. While Ali has had his share of fans, mortals, and boxers alike, Tyson proved to be a different breed altogether. His adoration for the boxing legend was so deep that he even went on to avenge his loss.

Ali came out of a 2-year hiatus to face the ‘Eaton Assassin’ Larry Holmes at the Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 1980. Promoter Don King even labeled the fight ‘The Last Hurray’ in tribute to Ali’s return from retirement.

However, the fight was a disappointment for Ali’s fans. His advancing Parkinson’s was visible as he struggled to heave himself across the ring. Fans were distraught to see the man once the epitome of the phrase ‘float like a butterfly, sting like a big’ having difficulty inside the ring.

The shadow that was once ‘The Greatest’ was soon defeated by the prime Holmes in the 10^th round via an RTD.

The then 14-year-old Tyson was in Albany at this time, watching the fight live on closed circuit television, along with his mentor Cus D’Amato. And witnessed his idol get beaten by Holmes.

“We were all so upset. The next morning, Cus was on the phone with Muhammad Ali after taking this shellacking from Holmes,” Tyson said in an interview with ESPN. “He said to Ali, ‘I have this young black kid who is going to be heavyweight champion someday, and I want you to talk to him.’”

D’Amato then handed the phone to Tyson, who made a promise to Ali.

“When I grow up, I’ll fight Holmes, and I’ll get him back for you,” he said.

And his promise to his idol was not something that Tyson would easily forget.

“Get Him for Me”

At 21, Tyson was one of the most promising heavyweights in the world. This was when he was pitted in a showdown against Holmes in a fight billed as ‘Heavyweight History.’ The duo went on to face each other at Trump Plaza in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on January 22, 1988. Ali, who was in attendance at the arena, got in the ring to wish both fighters.

However, when he got to Tyson, he reminded him of his promise.

“Remember what you said, get him for me,” he said.

These words from his idol were all that was needed for Tyson to dish out one of his most iconic performances yet. Holmes felt the true effect of Tyson’s speed and power. Tyson dropped him twice during the fight and continued to hammer punches effectively.

‘Iron’ Mike finally caught Holmes with a right hook in the 4^th round, knocking him out. While the victory was welcome, Tyson undoubtedly treated the win as an ode to his idol.

Joshua Ben Joseph

Joshua Ben Joseph is a Boxing writer renowned for his unparalleled coverage of live events and insightful interviews with prominent athletes in the world of combat sports. With a career spanning over several years, he has authored more than 800 articles. As an experienced editorial cartoonist and investigative journalist, Joshua has a keen eye for detail and a passion for delivering quality content. Aside from his writing, Joshua is an avid powerlifter and solo traveler, embodying the same spirit of determination and exploration that he brings to his work. With a deep love for the sport of boxing that dates back to childhood, he is committed to delivering the highest quality content and helping to build a more transparent and credible industry.

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