Mike Tyson had terrified opponent beat before pulverizing him with a bone-chilling first-round finish

Mike Tyson had most of his opponents beat before stepping into the ring, sending shivers down their spines with his menacing aura.

The prolific knockout artist was, in many ways, more than just a heavyweight boxer, with his destructive power and intimidating presence making him one of the most fearsome operators in combat sports history.

In truth, the 58-year-old who is gearing up for his controversial showdown with YouTube star Jake Paul is a far cry from the murderous puncher who paraded the land of the giants several decades ago.

And so, it is worth looking back at one of Mike Tyson’s most ruthless performances so that, if nothing else, we can at least get a sense of how ‘Iron Mike’ acquired his notorious reputation.

Mike Tyson’s destructive first-round demolition over Michael Spinks

Tyson became the youngest heavyweight world champion in history after dispatching Trevor Berbick for the WBC strap at the age of 20.

The Brooklyn-born bruiser was no ordinary 20-year-old, though, having already developed his man strength to such a degree that he was consistently knocking out top contenders in sparring.

And yet, Tyson was more than just a ball of mass programmed to destroy anyone who was put in front of him.

After years of cultivating his peek-a-boo style under the tutelage of legendary boxing trainer Cus D’Amato, he swiftly began to showcase his dynamic footwork in the ring, always creating angles to land his thudding blows.

Before long, Tyson had become a global mega star, with even non-boxing fans tuning in for displays against the likes of all-time heavyweight great Larry Holmes.

But then, in his fight against former light heavyweight king and Olympic gold medallist Michael Spinks, the intrigue surrounding Tyson’s career rocketed to astronomical levels.

Spinks entered their bout in 1988 with an unbeaten record, amassing four victories at heavyweight following his decorated reign at 175 lbs.

Yet still, there was nothing that could have prepared him for a dustup with one of the most formidable punchers of all time.

Before the opening bell, Spinks was visibly terrified of a shirtless Tyson, who entered the ring to the sinister sounds of something that in no way could be described as music.

And so, as the two heavyweights went toe-to-toe, Spinks was immediately overwhelmed by the explosive flurries of Tyson, unable to evade the barrage of haymakers that were coming his way.

Then, following his relentless onslaught, the heavyweight champion’s killer instinct kicked in and, sure enough, it was a brutal right uppercut that ended proceedings in emphatic fashion.

How will Mike Tyson’s legacy be affected by his fight with Jake Paul?

Several combat sports aficionados have expressed a deep concern for Tyson’s health as he heads into his rescheduled contest with Paul on November 15.

Of course, the American still possesses the appearance of an athlete, showcasing his ripped and muscular physique on social media.

However, many will recall his crushing defeat to Kevin McBride nearly two decades ago, when Tyson, in his last professional outing, looked a shadow of his former self.

But regardless of his bizarre encounter with Paul, Tyson will always be remembered as one of the most terrifying heavyweights of his era.