On this day we saw the final match in the Heavyweight World Series, a tournament was set to crown an undisputed champion in the heavyweight division - that man became, 'Iron' Mike Tyson. The tournament began in 1986 with Pinklon Thomas (WBC champion), Tony Tubbs (WBA champion), and Michael Spinks (IBF champion) as the reigning titleholders, yet no would emerge as the victor.
Tyson knocked out Trevor Berbick to claim the WBC title and would defeat James "Bonecrusher" Smith to win the WBA title.
The original IBF heavyweight champion, Michael Spinks, was stripped of the title when he looked to face Gerry Cooney instead of Tyson. The IBF ordered a bout between 'Buster' Douglas and Tony Tucker, as Tucker outlasted Douglas to get the shot at the belt. Making the bout for the undisputed three-belt heavyweight championship of the world.
Despite what most remember the fight was tricky and tough. Tucker won early rounds with a jab and proved a world-class opponent. The problem was Tucker had no answer for the power and awkward rhythm of Tyson, which was relentless. Tyson would go on to win the bout via a unanimous decision with the scores being 119-111, 118-113, 116-112, all in his favor.
After the fight, Tyson would steamroll Michael Spinks knocking him out in just 91 seconds to be the undisputed and lineal heavyweight world champion of the world.
Tony Tucker would have 14 consecutive victories before losing in a WBC Heavyweight title against Lennox Lewis.
