Mike Tyson emitted the impression that he despised every fighter he ever shared the ring with. However, he once claimed there was only one opponent he looked at with absolute detest.
Prime Tyson had an intimidating presence that had certain fighters beaten before they had even stepped into the ring. Just two months prior to the fight, dubbed the “Clash for the Crown”, Tyson had secured victory over Tony Tucker to secure the International Boxing Federation (IBF) title in a 12-round unanimous decision, becoming the first heavyweight to own all three major belts – WBA, WBC, and IBF – at the same time.
This meant the bout against Biggs held greater significance, as it was Tyson's first title defence, and it was against the Olympic super heavyweight gold medallist, who he hated.
“In the third round, I knew I had him,” the 21-year-old claimed post-fight. “He was crying when I was hitting him to the body. He was making noises like a woman screaming.
“I could have knocked him out any time after the third, but I wanted to make him pay for what he said.”
Biggs' response was that he was confused as to why Tyson displayed such hatred towards him, claiming: “I didn’t say anything that should have angered him… All I said was that I was confident I could beat him.”
Mike Tyson & Tyrell Biggs' Feud Explained
It all stemmed from their amateur days
Teenage Tyson’s Olympic dream was shattered, however, as he lost to Henry Tillman, and he was so devastated that he stormed out of the trial venue and started smashing a tree trunk with his fists.
However, the grudge Tyson held was not with Tillman, but with Biggs, who Tyson thought belittled him. Apparently, Biggs mocked his lack of height and skills, and despite not qualifying for the Olympic Games, Tyson travelled with the team for experience.
When a boxing fan saw the Olympic boxing squad in the airport, they wished Tyson good luck for his fight. Biggs responded: "What? You mean on his flight, not his fight, he’s not fighting in the Olympics."
“I don’t even like talking about this fight. It was seven rounds of punishment. I elbowed him, low-blowed him, punched him after the round was over.”
Tyson clearly went into this fight with the intent to do harm to punish Biggs for his actions.
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Mike Tyson & Tyrell Biggs' professional boxing records |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Mike Tyson |
Tyrell Biggs |
|
|
Fights |
59 |
40 |
|
Wins |
50 |
30 |
|
Losses |
7 |
10 |
|
No contests |
2 |
0 |
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