Mike Tyson Named Opponent With Best Chin in Boxing

After turning professional in 1985, aged just 18 years old, Tyson quickly made a name for himself, emerging victorious in 20 bouts just over a year after making his debut. His punching power, particularly in his left hook and right uppercut, proved a real problem for those who dared to meet him in the ring, with 12 of his first 20 opponents stopped in the first round.

His 20th fight against James Tillis was the first time Tyson went past the sixth round, winning via unanimous decision. At age 20, the American became the youngest heavyweight champion in history with his second-round TKO against Trevor Berbick to claim the WBC title. By 1987, he had unified the WBC, WBA, and IBF titles and became the undisputed champion following his victories over James Smith and Tony Tucker.

Thirty-seven men tried, and 37 men failed before 'Iron Mike' lost his unbeaten record to the unlikely hands of James Douglas in 1990. A TKO and a disqualification in his infamous bouts with Evander Holyfield, along with losses to Lennox Lewis, Danny Williams, and Kevin McBride, meant that, at the point of retiring in 2005, of his 58 bouts, only six times was he bested.

Mike Tyson vs Jose Ribalta

Ribalta was Tyson's 26th professional fight

Mike Tyson faced off against Jose Ribalta in August 1986, winning via TKO in the 10th and final round. Although Ribalta was relatively unknown at the time, he held an impressive 20-3 record coming into the fight and proved an unexpected challenge for Tyson.

Although Ribalta came out worse off, the courage and determination he showed in returning to his feet after suffering blows which would have ended many fighters' nights stood testament to his heart and desire. In the later rounds, some in attendance even started chanting 'Jose', acknowledging the performance he had put on.