‘I was beaten twice by Mike Tyson – only three | Boxing News

Frank Bruno has recognized three boxers who packed a more highly effective punch than Mike Tyson. ‘Iron’ Mike is extensively recognised as one of probably the most formidable heavyweights in boxing historical past, boasting an spectacular file of 50-6-2 (two no contests) with 44 knockouts in opposition to opponents reminiscent of Buster Mathis Jr, Michael Spinks, Larry Holmes, and even Bruno himself.

The two pugilists first squared off in February 1989, with Tyson efficiently defending his WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles through a fifth-round TKO. Bruno appeared weary and was pinned in opposition to the ropes as Tyson unleashed highly effective combos, ultimately touchdown a clean proper uppercut and left hook earlier than referee Richard Steele intervened to finish the struggle.

Their second encounter occurred seven years later in March 1996, with Tyson having misplaced all his titles to Buster Douglas and Bruno then holding the WBC belt. Despite the change in roles relating to champion and challenger, the end result was strikingly comparable – Tyson bombarded Bruno with a barrage of swift hooks and uppercuts earlier than the match was known as off within the third spherical.

Although Bruno by no means managed to conquer Tyson in his distinguished profession, he has since disclosed that there are three fighters who hit even more durable than him. According to The Sun, Bruno defined: “I’ve got to go for Jumbo Cummings, [James] Bonecrusher Smith and Tim Witherspoon. All of them had different punches, all had different ways, when they hit you it hurt.”

He additionally acknowledged Tyson’s formidable energy however famous a distinction (through the Mirror): “Tyson’s quick and he’s powerful, he hits like a whip, but it’s a different variety. Tim Witherspoon, he wore you down, Bonecrusher Smith, he was a different cup of tea.

“Lennox Lewis was a totally different cup of tea, everybody’s bought their model and how they will punch, totally different abilities.” Bruno, with an impressive career tally of 40 wins and 5 losses, suffered his first defeat at the hands of Smith in 1984, succumbing to a 10th-round knockout after a devastating combination of a right hand and a left-hook sent him tumbling to the mat.

His second defeat came two years later against Witherspoon, who secured an 11th round TKO victory over Bruno with a barrage of punishing overhand rights that left the British heavyweight crumpled in the corner. Despite these setbacks, Bruno did manage to triumph over Cummings with a seventh-round TKO in October 1983, despite acknowledging the American’s sheer punching power.

Tyson is gearing up to step back into the ring for the first time in four years, following his 2020 exhibition draw with Roy Jones Jr. The ex-heavyweight champion is set to face off against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul on November 15 at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, aiming to be the first to stop the ‘Problem Child’ in a match.

Paul has built an impressive 10-1 record since turning professional four years ago, defeating former UFC stars reminiscent of Ben Askren, Nate Diaz, Anderson Silva, Tyron Woodley and Mike Perry. His sole defeat was handed to him by Tommy Fury through a split-decision final February.