In Appreciation of: Holyfield Beating Tyson In 1996

Published

12 years ago

February 12, 2013

Lee Wylie

In what was as complete a performance as one could imagine from a seemingly over-the-hill fighter, Evander Holyfield rewrote the script by dismantling Mike Tyson in eleven one-sided rounds at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas on November 9th, 1996.

Considered shot , and with concerns lingering over his health due to a suspected heart condition, many believed Holyfield wouldn’t make it past the second round against Tyson. Had the fight ended in tragedy, which was widely feared because of Evander’s tremendous heart and never say die attitude, there would have been public uproar. It would be no exaggeration to suggest that there was more chance of the sacrificial lamb coming out on top during the slaughter than poor “old” Evander had of avoiding severe punishment at the hands of “The Baddest Man on the Planet”. Anyone who had seen Holyfield’s last two fights (a knockout loss to Riddick Bowe and a lackluster win over former middleweight Bobby Czyz) alongside Tyson’s (demolitions of Frank Bruno and Bruce Seldon inside of three rounds) had every right to believe that while one man should be at the very top of father time’s things to-do list, the other was returning to something like his scintillating best.

Shame on us.

Evander Holyfield’s deconstruction of “Iron” Mike Tyson forever sealed his fate as one of the greatest heavyweights to have ever lived. Though Holyfield gave all credit to God for the victory, his fearlessness, physical strength and immense self-belief were also huge factors in allowing him to triumph against the odds. Holyfield showed no fear whatsoever toward a man who made other heavyweights, far larger than himself, tremble in fear with little more than a passing glance. As high as a 25/1 underdog prior to the fight, Evander Holyfield defeated Mike Tyson not just physically, but psychologically too.

That said, lack of fear alone would not have been enough to get the job done against Mike Tyson. Neither would relying solely on superior physical strength for that matter. Hence, I’d like to highlight many of the understated boxing techniques that Evander Holyfield implemented on that unforgettable night in Vegas. For make no mistake, Tyson’s demise on that night had more to do with Holyfield’s superior craft than it did with anything else.

Before we delve any deeper into the fight, however, I think it’s important to take into acknowledge that Mike Tyson had declined somewhat as a fighter. Although it was never really mentioned at the time, looking back, I think it’s clear that Tyson was no longer operating on the same offensive or defensive level as he was under the tutelage of Kevin Rooney. Not only had the angular attacks in combination gone missing, but also the pre-emptive head movement as he was looking to get closer to his opponent. During his prime under Rooney (1985-1988) Tyson’s defense as he was advancing, which consisted of slips and double slips to the outside and inside of his opponent’s jabs and straights, allowed him to set up hard counters with either hand. Without Rooney is his corner, Tyson had become a little one dimensional, resulting in predictable straight line attacks that lacked creativity or thought.

Nevertheless, let’s not take anything away from Evander Holyfield. Mike Tyson was still generally considered the best heavyweight in the world at the time as his hand speed and explosiveness –still way above average for a heavyweight- as well as his concussive punching power were usually enough for him to come out on top against most opposition not going by the name of Evander Holyfield.

Although I’m personally of the opinion that by the time Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield squared off, Tyson had all but forgotten about using his defense to set up his offense, he still frequently employed one of the many early signature attacks that were taught to him during the days of Cus D’Amato and Kevin Rooney. As Tyson looked to bridge the gap between himself and his opponent, he would often throw a half jab (jab feint) to create an opening for an overhand right or right cross –a variation on the cross counter.

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Here’s a young Mike Tyson performing one of his signature attacks. As Tyson looks to enter into punching range, he performs a half jab followed by an overhand right. Here, Tyson’s non-committal, distance closing half jab has drawn out a response and created a perfect opening for his right hand over the top of his opponent’s jab.

Let’s take another look at Tyson’s crushing right hand preceded by a half jab.

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Here again, we see Tyson closing in, using a half jab to set up his overhand right. Tyson’s slight level change along with a non-contact half jab help to create an opening for his right hand. Using the half jab as a set up also chambers his right hand, placing it into a cocked position.

Were it not for Evander Holyield’s tremendous set of whiskers, the fight may have been over the moment it started. As both fighters met in the center of the ring, Tyson quickly launched said attack, throwing a half jab before landing a huge right hand on the jaw of Holyfield.

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As Tyson looks to enter, he throws a half jab, proceeded by an overhand right. In this instance, Tyson’s deceptive jab draws out a rear hand parry from Evander, resulting in Tyson’s overhand right traveling through the created opening and sending Holyfield stumbling toward the ropes.

With Holyfield weathering the early storm, Tyson soon realized that the man standing in front of him was a far cry from what he’d become accustomed to facing lately. Along with remaining undeterred after eating Tyson’s right hand early, there was another key moment that signalled why Holyfield was very different from anyone who Tyson had recently shared a ring with. Where most of Tyson’s opponents would back up in a straight line in attempting to avoid his sudden rushes, Holyfield had a contrasting outlook as to how to defense Tyson’s attack. Here is where we got our first glimpse of Holyfield’s superior counterpunching ability.

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As Tyson throws a left hook, instead of distancing himself to avoid the blow, Holyfield blocks the hook using his right forearm, then immediately counters with a double hook (short left hook to the waistline then a left hook to the head). Notice how the low hook causes Tyson to lower his stance and bring his guard down which in turn opens up a target up top. This is the main reason behind lever punching. Also, notice how as Holyfield lands his double left hook, he immediately pivots on his lead foot, taking himself off the line off attack. This is how Holyfield ends up on the opposite side of the ring to where he started his combination from. Again, instead of backing up in a straight line, Holyfield is countering and turning Tyson.

Before we go any further, I’d like you to take a look at Tyson’s face in the last still of that sequence.

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As Tyson is adjusting his shorts, his facial expression says a thousand words. Mike Tyson was the ultimate confidence fighter, a front runner. Having seen his right hand prove ineffectual and then having another attack easily diffused and countered within the opening moments of the fight, I believe Tyson began to show early signs of defeat. His smirk here is almost that of surprise. Doubt was already beginning to creep in.

As the fight progressed, Tyson continued to attack Holyfield in a straight line. There was little to no head movement, no ducking or slipping before entering, and apart from a moment when Tyson managed to land his signature right hook to the body followed by a right uppercut to the chin, which Holyfield took without really batting an eyelid, there were no signs of the combinations that made him one of the most unique heavyweights around. With Holyfield jabbing from the outside, moving laterally to avoid Tyson’s rushes, he then began to stand his ground more. Any time Tyson managed to breech Holyfield’s range, Evander would simply clinch and push Tyson off. You see, this is one of the biggest misconceptions that surrounds Mike Tyson. Although he advanced in a way that suggested he wanted to get inside at all costs, his best work was actually done on the way in. Apart from his right hook/right uppercut combination and left hook to the body in close, which, were always more effective against opponents who were a lot taller than himself, Tyson wasn’t the inside fighter everyone seems to think he was. As I’ve already mentioned, many of Tyson’s opponents thought the best way to fight him was to avoid his rushes by backing up. This was suicide, especially during his prime. Tyson’s sudden shifts and explosiveness were simply too much for those who moved off in a straight line. Those who did always found themselves on the very end of his punches. Evander Holyfield showed that by getting close to Tyson, and by not giving him his desired momentum, he wasn’t as dangerous.

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Here’s a segment where Holyfield and Tyson are at close quarters. First, let’s look at Tyson’s body shape. His hands are chest height, his shoulders are square and his feet are parallel. Tyson’s balance, which is of the upmost importance during infighting, is severely compromised. By contrast, Holyfield’s rear leg is out behind, giving him far greater stability. His right glove is in a position to block against Tyson’s left hook and his body is chambered ready to deliver a left hook. Regardless of who was physically stronger, Holyfield’s infighting technique was simply better. At close quarters, it was Holyfield who had the advantage. Holyfield’s short hooks on the inside were a prominent weapon for him throughout the fight.

With each passing moment, as Holyfield’s confidence continued to grow, Tyson looked more and more a beaten man. With Holyfield controlling the fight, whether it was by jabbing from the outside or by landing shorts hooks on the inside, Tyson was slowly being broken down by a superior craftsman.

At the beginning of this analysis, I paid a lot of attention to Tyson’s half jab/right hand attack. The reason being that I believe the fight was quite literally won and lost on Tyson’s failure to land it, Holyfield’s ability to counter it, and Tyson’s inability to move away from it. Although Holyfield took Tyson’s right hand at the beginning of the fight, there’s no doubt that an accumulation of the same blow over the course of the fight would have eventually gotten Evander out of there. However, instead of looking to all out avoid the blow, Holyfield embraced it and used it as a way to trigger his counter right hand.

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As Tyson moves in behind a half jab, Holyfield performs a rear hand parry, rolls with Tyson’s right hand, and counters with his own right hand.

Much in the same way as Juan Manuel Marquez recently treated Manny Pacquiao’s non-contact feint and jab (a precursor for his straight left) as a trigger for his own overhand right, Evander Holyfield did the same in this fight. As Tyson threw his non-contact half jab, Holyfield parried it anyway and treat it as a precursor for Tyson’s right hand. Although parrying is primarily a defensive measure, it can also be used to get your opponent’s timing down. Throughout the fight, Holyfield parried Tyson’s jab to trigger his counter right hand.

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Once more, Tyson looks to attack by feinting with the jab to set up his right hand. Notice Holyfield’s rear hand in the first still. He’s already anticipating Tyson’s next move. As Tyson throws the jab, Holyfield is fully aware that the moment he parries, a right hand will be heading his way. As a result, he’s able to roll with the blow and counter Tyson with his own right hand. Notice also how Holyfield’s head is taken away from the centerline as he lands his counter right hand, thus eliminating any chance of Tyson countering back without having to punch across himself.

If any of you decide to watch the fight after this analysis, you may feel that Tyson is actually catching Holyfield clean every time he throws his right hand. However, what Holyfield is successfully doing is rolling in the same direction as the blow. This shouldn’t be confused with what Floyd Mayweather has made a career out of doing (rolling the blow off his shoulder). Rather, Holyfield is actually absorbing some of the blow. Instead of absorbing the full weight of it, however, Holyfield is turning his head in the same direction, taking away some of its weight, while chambering himself to come back with his right hand. It’s one thing to stand in front of Philip Ndou and roll with his punches, but standing in front of Mike Tyson and rolling with his right hand is another thing entirely.

Evander Holyfield’s counterpunching, more than anything else, continued to be the story of the fight.

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Devoid of ideas, Tyson continues to load up with his right hand. Again, Holyfield’s rear hand parry is key. This time, instead of waiting on the right hand, Holyfield parries the jab, continues forward and intercepts Tyson’s right hand with his own short right hand. Although the blow is short and doesn’t appear all that damaging, Tyson’s forward momentum is doubling up its impact. No doubt, these are damaging counters from Evander.

Although Evander Holyfield will likely be remembered mostly for his unmatched heart and resiliency, this next sequence highlights just how calculating he could be in the ring.

Below we see a double counter from Holyfield.

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As Tyson moves in again looking to land his right hand, Holyfield parries his jab and counters with his own jab. Because Tyson’s momentum carries him forward as he’s trying to land his right hand, Holyfield moves inside the arc of the blow and counters again with a right hand to the body. Although this sequence happens in an instant, seeing it frame by frame shows you just how quick Holyfield’s mind was working in there.

While I was watching the fight back, although I was in awe of Holyfield’s counterpunching ability, I couldn’t help but wonder how much Mike Tyson may or may not have benefited from a better corner on that night. For me, Tyson simply went to the well too many times by continuing to load up on his right hand. It clearly wasn’t working for him. Maybe a better corner may have instructed him to feint the jab to draw out the parry and throw a right uppercut instead. Or to change the rhythm of his attack, maybe feint with the jab, throw a real jab, then throw the right hand. Or, rather than using it exclusively as a set up for the right hand, maybe hook off the jab instead. Needless to say, Tyson’s predictable attacks allowed Holyfield to systematically counterpunch him to pieces.

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Here’s where Tyson tasted the canvas off a Holyfield counter left. As Tyson came forward in a straight line, Holyfield stepped out of range, blocked a Tyson left with the outside of his right glove, and countered with a short left shovel hook.

The end of the fight came after more counterpunching brilliance from Holyfield.

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Here, as Tyson throws his usual jab before the right hand, Holyfield fades and comes back with a counter right, catching Tyson coming in. Although Tyson was eventually finished with a volley of lefts and rights as his back was against the ropes, it was this counter right hand from Holyfield that all but ended the fight.

To simply put this fantastic performance down to Evander Holyfield being unafraid of Mike Tyson does the man a major disservice. Sure, Holyfield’s mental toughness and Tyson’s lack thereof had plenty to do with the outcome, but Tyson’s predictable attacks along with Holyfield’s superior boxing ability and in particular, his counterpunching excellence, had more to do with the outcome than anything else, resulting in Evander Holyfield having one of the best nights in the ring a supposed no-hoper could have.

Writer’s note: This analysis was written for Mr. Kelsey McCarson.

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Lee Wylie

Golden Boy in Riyadh Results: Zurdo Ramirez Unifies Cruiserweight Titles

Published

21 hours ago

November 16, 2024

David A. Avila

Golden-Boy-in-Royadh-Results-Zurdo-Ramirez-Unifies-Cruiserweight-Titles

Mexico’s Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez endured the grinding style of England’s Chris Billam-Smith to become the unified WBO and WBA cruiserweight champion by unanimous decision after a bruising battle in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.

“I’m a true champion,” said Ramirez.

Ramirez (47-1, 30 KOs) used angles and experience to out-maneuver the very strong Billam-Smith (20-2, 13 KOs) in Golden Boy Promotion’s first joint adventure with “Riyadh Season” in Riyadh, Saud Arabia.

Footwork by Ramirez seemed to surprise Billiam-Smith whose relentless approach could not corral the Mexican fighter who was fighting only for the second time at cruiserweight.

The former super middleweight champion used his experience and ability to create punching angles to optimum success against Billam-Smith. The movement confused the British fighter who never could find a solution.

“He has consistent shots,” said Billam-Smith. “I had trouble tracking him.”

But Billam-Smith used his relentless attacking style for all 12 rounds despite suffering a cut near his eye in the sixth round. He never quit and pounded away at Ramirez who simply out-punched the incredibly strong British cruiserweight.

No knockdowns were scored. Billam-Smith did have success in the 10^th round but couldn’t overcome the overall success Ramirez had tallied with body shots and straight lefts throughout the contest.

“It meant a lot for me to try and stop him,” said Ramirez. “But he’s pretty tough.”

After 12 rounds of bruising action all three judges saw Ramirez the winner 116-112 twice and 116-113.

Barboza’s Quest

After 11 years Arnold Barboza (31-0, 11 KOs) finally got his wish and met former super lightweight champion Jose Ramirez (29-2, 18 KOs) in the boxing ring and handed him only his second defeat.

“It was a long time coming,” Barboza said.

Barboza started slowly against the pressure style of Ramirez but soon gathered enough information to determine his own attack. Accuracy with jabs and body shots opened things up for the Southern California fighter from El Monte.

Ramirez seemed to lose that fire in his legs and usually attacking style. Though he occasionally showed the old fire it was only in spurts. Barboza took advantage of the lulls and pierced the former champion’s guards with accurate jabs and quick body shots.

He was sharp.

After 10 rounds all three judges favored Barboza 96-94 twice and 97-93.

“This was my championship fight,” said the undefeated Barboza. “I respect everything about him (Ramirez) and his team.” Ramirez’s only previous loss came in a bout with Josh Taylor for the undisputed world title at 140 pounds.

Lightweight clash

William Zepeda (32-0, 27 KOs) survived a knockdown to out-punch former champion Tevin Farmer (33-7-1, 8 KOs) and walk away with a split decision victory in their lightweight confrontation.

“I knew it was going to be a tough fight,” said Zepeda. “He surprised me a little bit.”

Zepeda opened up with his usual flood of punches from every angle and soon found himself looking up from the floor after Farmer floored him with a perfect counter-left in the third round.

It took the Mexican fighter a few rounds to find a way to avoid Farmer’s counter lefts and then the deluge of blows resumed. Though Farmer continued to battle he couldn’t match the number of blows coming from Zepeda.

After 10 rounds one judge saw Farmer 95-94 but the two other judges saw Zepeda by 95-94 scores.

“I just brought it to him,” said Farmer who knew it was a close fight.

Puerto Rico’s New Unified Champ

In a battle between minimumweight world titlists Puerto Rico’s Oscar Collazo (11-0, 8 KOs) knocked out Thailand’s KO CP Freshmart (25-1, 9 KOs) to become the WBO and WBA champion.

Freshmart, also known as Thammanoon Niyomtrong, was the longest reigning champion in the 105-division weight class for a total of eight years. That was quickly ended as Collazo’s floored the strong Thai fighter three times during their clash of champions.

Body shots proved beneficial to Collazo as both exchanged blows to the abdomen but the Puerto Rican added flashy combinations to control the fight for six rounds.

“I saw him breathing hard,” said Collazo.

Possibly understanding he was falling behind, Freshmart began to advance more aggressively and forced exchanges with the fast Boricua. Bad idea.

During a furious exchange in the sixth Collazo connected with a counter right hook on the chin and down went Freshmart. He recovered and finished the round.

Collazo opened the seventh searching for an opening and immediately connected with another right hook during an exchange of blows with the Thai fighter. Down went Freshmart again but he got up to fight again. Collazo moved in cautiously again and this time fired a left uppercut that finished Freshmart at 1:29 if the seventh round.

“We got the stoppage,” said Collazo the unified WBO and WBA minimumweight champion.

Puerto Rico has another unified world champion in Collazo.

“I want all the belts,” Collazo said.

Duarte edges Akhmedov

Mexico’s Oscar Duarte (28-2-1, 22 KOs) scrapped past Botirzhon Akhmedov (10-4, 9 KOs) in a rugged super lightweight battle to win by unanimous decision. But it was a close one.

“He’s a great fighter, a warrior,” said Duarte of Akhmedov.

Akhmedov started faster using angles and bursts of punches as Duarte looked to counter. In the second half of the 10-round fight the extra energy expended by the fighter from Uzbekistan seemed to tire him. Mexico’s Duarte took advantage and looked stronger in the second half of the match.

All three judges saw Duarte the winner 98-92, 97-93, 96-94.

Welterweights

Saudi Arabia’s Ziyad Almaayouf (6-0-1) and Mexico’s Juan Garcia (5-6-1) fought to a majority draw after six rounds of action.

Photo credit: Cris Esqueda / Golden Boy

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Jake Paul Defeats Mike Tyson plus Other Results from Arlington, Texas

Published

1 day ago

November 16, 2024

David A. Avila

Hake-Paul-Defeats-Mike-Tyson-and-Other-Resulys-from-Arlington-Texas

The power of Mike Tyson.

Tyson’s power was on display in the people he attracted from all over the world to fill up the 72,000-seat Texas stadium and to capture the interest of more than 160 million viewers on Netflix. But, not in the prize ring on Saturday.

Youth and Jake Paul (11-1, 7 KOs) were the winners after eight tepid rounds over legendary heavyweight champion Tyson (50-7, 44 KOs) who failed to beat the chains of time. But he did stir them a bit at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Paul moved in and out of danger against Tyson the former undisputed heavyweight champion whose name struck terror in the 80s and 90s. Though the social media influencer had a 31-year younger body, he could not take full advantage.

“I was afraid he was going to hurt me,” admitted Paul.

In the opening round Tyson stalked Paul like a hungry lion about to pounce on a piece of meat. The younger fighter used his legs and smart jabs to keep separation. It was a wise decision.

At times Paul would unleash quick combinations, but the experienced Tyson’s muscle memory kicked in and he easily avoided the blows. But from the third round on the legs seemed to lock up and every movement seemed a struggle.

Paul landed left hooks to the head but Tyson managed to avoid their full power. And when Tyson connected with a left uppercut in the fifth round Paul wagged his tongue to acknowledge it connected, but the power was not damaging.

The eight two-minute rounds were perfect for this fight.

When a 58-year-old body is forced to fight for its life with all the necessary tools such as agility, endurance and quickness, the mind can play tricks. But Tyson was resolute and kept advancing against Paul in every round.

In the seventh round the aged heavyweight rekindled a second wind and fired dangerous combinations for the first time since the second frame. His winning spirit blazed for a moment or two until Paul unleashed his own combination blows. The moment for miracles had passed.

The final round saw Paul use more jabs and a few combination punches. Tyson tried to fire back but was unable to get his legs to cooperate. Still, his bravado was intact and Paul marked the last 10 seconds by bowing down humbly in front of Tyson. Paul had survived the lion’s maw.

“He’s the greatest heavyweight to ever do it,” said Paul of Tyson. “He’s a really tough and experienced fighter.”

Tyson was almost silent after the fight.

“I knew he was a good fighter. I came prepared,” said Tyson.

Katie Taylor Wins Again

In an even more brutal fight than their first encounter, undisputed super lightweight champion Katie Taylor (24-1) again edged out Amanda Serrano (47-3-1) after 10 bloody rounds to win by unanimous decision.

It was Serrano who jumped on Taylor in the first round and ravaged the Irish fighter with rifling lefts that snapped her head back. There was no wasting time to get acquainted.

Taylor got her footing in the third round with her quick-handed flurries. Though Serrano landed too it was Taylor’s resilience that kept her from being over run by the Puerto Rican’s power blows.

In the third round however, Taylor rushed in with blows and then grabbed Serrano and butted her with her head. A bloody gash opened up on the side of the Puerto Rican’s right eye. The referee quickly acknowledged it was a butt that caused the bad cut.

In the next round the cut opened up even more and the referee and ringside physician asked if she wanted to continue. She acknowledged to continue though the fight could have been stopped and judged by the scores accumulated up to that point. Serrano probably would have won.

Serrano did not want to stop.

“I chose to be great,” Serrano said. “I’m a Boricua. I’ll die in the ring.”

For the remainder of the fight the two combatants battled furiously. It was even more savage than their first encounter in New York two years ago. The referee repeatedly warned Taylor for intentionally diving in with her head and took one point away in the eighth round. He could have deducted more but did not.

“Sometimes it’s tough in there,” explained Taylor.

Serrano’s right hooks and left crosses found their mark repeatedly. Taylor’s quick combinations and strafing rights blazed often. It was up to the judges after 10 rounds had expired. All three judges saw it in favor of Taylor 95-94.

Many in the crowd booed. Even the announcers seemed surprised.

“She’s a fantastic champion,” said Taylor of Serrano. “She’s a hard puncher and tough.”

Serrano seemed displeased by the decision, but happy for the success of the fight card.

WBC Welterweight Title Fight

The theme for the WBC welterweight title fight was only sissies block and slip punches as Mario Barrios (29-2-1, 18 KOs) the champion and challenger Abel Ramos (28-6-3, 22 KOs) slugged each other gruesome for 12 bloody rounds and a split decision.

Barrios retains the WBC title.

“I knew it was a close fight,” Barrios said. “He made it a war.”

The two Mexican-American warriors blasted each other with knockdowns but somehow continued to battle on.

Texas-born Barrios was defending his title for the first time and Arizona’s Ramos was finally invited to challenge for a world title. He accepted.

Barrios opened up with sharp jabs and rocked Ramos with a straight right. He almost went down. In the second round he was not as lucky and was floored with a perfect three-punch combination. Ramos smiled and resumed the fight.

After a few more one-sided rounds in favor of Barrios, who trains in Las Vegas with Bob Santos, the match seemed to be dominated by the welterweight champion. It was a false read.

Ramos opened the sixth round in a more aggressive attack and began hammering Barrios with right hands. A three-punch combination blasted the champion to the ground and forced him to take an eight-count. He barely survived the round as the crowd panted.

“He can crack,” said Barrios.

For the remainder of the match both fought back and forth with Barrios finding success with jabs and rights to the body. Ramos rocketed rights on the champion’s head and occasional left hooks but the right seemed lasered to Barrios head.

Both of their faces were swollen and bloodied by punches to the face and neither seemed willing to quit. After 12 rounds one judge saw Ramos the winner 114-112, another saw Barrios win 116-110, and a third judge saw it 113-113 for a split draw. Barrios retains the WBC title.

“It was a great fight for the crowd,” said Ramos with a smile. “Two warriors like us are going to give an action-packed performance.”

Indian Fighter Wins

Neeraj Goyat (19-4-2) of India defeated Brazil’s Whindersson Nunes (0-1) in a super middleweight fight after six rounds. No knockdowns were scored but Goyat was the busier and more skilled fighter.

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Avila Perspective, Chap. 304: Mike Tyson Returns; Latino Night in Riyadh

Published

3 days ago

November 14, 2024

David A. Avila

Avila-Perspective-Chap-301-Mike-Tyson-Returns-Latino-Night-in-Riyadh

Iron Mike Tyson is back.

“I’m just ready to fight,” Tyson said.

Tyson (50-6, 44 KOs) faces social media star-turned-fighter Jake Paul (10-1, 7 KOs) on Friday, Nov. 15, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Netflix will stream the Most Valuable Promotions card that includes female super stars Katie Taylor versus Amanda Serrano.

It’s a solid fight card.

The last time Tyson stepped in the prize ring was 19 years ago. Though he’s now 58 years old there’s a boxing adage that fits perfectly for this match: “it only takes one punch.”

Few heavyweights mastered the one-punch knockout like Tyson did during his reign of terror. If you look on social media you can find highlights of Tyson’s greatest knockouts. It’s the primary reason many people in the world today think he still fights regularly.

Real boxing pundits know otherwise.

But Tyson is not Evander Holyfield or Lennox Lewis, he’s facing 20-something-year-old Paul who has been boxing professionally for only five years.

“I’m not going to lose,” said Tyson.

Paul, 27, began performing in the prize ring as a lark. He demolished former basketball player Nate Robinson and gained traction by defeating MMA stars in boxing matches. His victories began to gain attention especially when he beat UFC stars Anderson Silva and Nate Diaz.

He’s become a phenom.

Every time Paul fights, he seems to improve. But can he beat Tyson?

“He says he’s going to kill me. I’m ready. I want that killer. I want the hardest match possible Friday night, and I want there to be no excuses from everyone at home when I knock him out,” said Paul who lured Tyson from retirement.

Was it a mistake?

The Tyson versus Paul match is part of a co-main event pitting the two best known female fighters Katie Taylor (23-1) and Amanda Serrano (47-2-1) back in the ring again. Their first encounter two years ago was Fight of the Year. Can they match or surpass that incredible fight?

“I’m going to do what I do best and come to fight,” said Serrano.

Taylor expects total war.

“I think what me and Amanda have done over these last few years, inspiring that generation of young fighters, is the best thing we could leave behind in this sport,” said Taylor.

Also, WBC welterweight titlist Mario Barrios (29-2, 18 KOs) defends against Arizona’s Abel Ramos (28-6-2, 22 KOs) and featherweight hotshot Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington (13-0, 8 KOs) meets Dana Coolwell (13-2, 8 KOs). Several other bouts are planned.

Riyadh Season

WBA cruiserweight titlist Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez headlines a Golden Boy Promotions card called Riyadh Season’s Latino Night. It’s the first time the Los Angeles-based company has ventured to Saudi Arabia for a boxing card.

“Passion. That’s what this fight card is all about,” said Oscar De La Hoya, CEO of Golden Boy.

Mexico’s Ramirez (46-1, 30 KOs) meets England’s Chris Billam-Smith (20-1, 13 KOs) who holds the WBO title on Saturday Nov. 16, at The Venue in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. DAZN will stream the Golden Boy card.

Ramirez surprised many when he defeated Arsen Goulamirian for the WBA title this past March in Inglewood, California. The tall southpaw from Mazatlan had also held the WBO super middleweight title for years and grew out of the division.

“I’m very excited for this Saturday. I’m ready for whatever he brings to the table,” said Ramirez. “I need to throw a lot of punches and win every round.”

Billam-Smith is slightly taller than Ramirez and has been fighting in the cruiserweight division his entire pro career. He’s not a world champion through luck and could provide a very spectacular show. The two titlists seem perfect for each other.

“It’s amazing to be headlining this night,” said Billam-Smith. “He will be eating humble pie on Saturday night.”

Other Interesting Bouts

A unification match between minimumweight champions WBO Oscar Collazo (10-0) and WBA titlist Thammanoon Niyomtrong could be a show stealer. Both are eager to prove that their 105-pound weight class should not be ignored.

“I wanted big fights and huge fights, what’s better than a unification match,” said Collazo at the press conference.

Niyomtrong, the WBA titlist from Thailand, has held the title since June 2016 and feels confident he will conquer.

“I want to prove who’s the best world champion at 105. Collazo is the WBO champion but we are more experienced,” said Niyomtrong.

A lightweight bout between a top contender from Mexico and former world champion from the USA is also earmarked for many boxing fans

Undefeated William “El Camaron” Zepeda meets Tevin Farmer whose style can provide problems for any fighter.

“There is so much talent on this card. It’s a complicated fight for me against an experienced foe,” said Zepeda.

Tevin Farmer, who formerly held the IBF super featherweight title now performs as a lightweight. He feels confident in his abilities.

“You can’t be a top dog unless you beat a top dog. Once I beat Zepeda what are they going to do?” said Farmer about Golden Boy.

In a non-world title fight, former world champion Jose Ramirez accepted the challenge from Arnold Barboza who had been chasing him for years.

“I’m ready for Saturday to prove I’m the best at this weight,” said Ramirez.

Arnold Barboza is rubbing his hands in anticipation.

“This fight has been important to me for a long time. Shout out to Jose Ramirez for taking this fight,” said Barboza.

Special note

The fight card begins at 8:57 a.m. Saturday on DAZN which can be seen for free by non-subscribers.

Fights to Watch (all times Pacific Time)

Fri. Netflix 5 p.m. Mike Tyson (50-6) vs Jake Paul (10-1); Katie Taylor (23-1) vs Amanda Serrano (47-2-1); Mario Barrios (29-2) vs Abel Ramos (28-6-2).

Sat. DAZN, 8:57 a.m. Gilberto Ramirez (46-1) vs Chris Billiam-Smith (20-1); Oscar Collazo (10-0) vs Thammanoon Niyomtrong (25-0); William Zepeda (31-0) vs Tevin Farmer (33-6-1); Jose Ramirez (29-1) vs Arnold Barboza (30-0).

Mike Tyson photo credit: Esther Lin

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