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1 Mike Tyson scored one of his most controversial knockouts against a helpless Don Halpin in what only his third fight as a professional.
In 1985, at just 18 – two years from his world title triumph – Tyson began his career in fine fashion with two first-round stoppages.
Mike Tyson was famously fearsome in his primeGetty Images - Getty
Next, ‘Iron Mike’ was scheduled to face Halpin – a more experienced journeyman who held a record of ten wins, 18 losses at the time.
Halpin used this experience to survive early on, though Tyson admittedly appeared to start far slower than he had in his first two wins.
The fight commentator noted, “It’s almost as if his corner have said to him, ‘Listen, you don’t have to win every fight inside one round.'”
In the fourth of this scheduled six-rounder, Tyson decided to dramatically increase the tempo.
The prospect caught the journeyman with a crunching right hand which saw him collapse against the ropes.
Halpin rose to his feet and fought on, but it only took a few seconds before a flurry of Tyson punches saw him fall once again.
This time he’d landed directly in the corner and the fight looked to be over.
However, the ruthless and relentless Tyson was not finished yet as he hurled one last uppercut which smashed his opponent in the head even though he was already down.
The referee was slow to interveneESPN
‘Iron Mike’ escaped without punishment and jumped onto the ropes to celebrate.
Regardless, at just 18 years of age, Tyson’s sometimes-uncontrollable aggression was clear to see.
This would be his first controversy, but certainly not his last.
You can watch the video in the player above.
English (United States)