Mike Tyson’s bout against Tyrell Biggs took place on October 16, 1987, at the Convention Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. This fight was particularly significant because it was for the WBA, WBC, and IBF heavyweight titles. Tyson, with an undefeated record of 31-0, was on a mission to solidify his status as the undisputed heavyweight champion. Tyrell Biggs, a skilled boxer with an Olympic gold medal to his name, was expected to provide a formidable challenge. Let’s dive into a detailed, round-by-round account of this important fight in a casual, storytelling voice.
Build-Up to the Fight
Mike Tyson was already a dominant force in the boxing world, with thirty-one straight wins, nearly all by knockout. The anticipation was high as Tyson prepared to face Tyrell Biggs, the 1984 Olympic gold medalist. Biggs was known for his technical skills and speed, which many believed could trouble Tyson. The atmosphere in Atlantic City was electric, with fans eager to see if Tyson could continue his dominance and retain his heavyweight titles.
Round 1: Biggs’ Fast Start
As the bell rang for the first round, Biggs came out with confidence and speed. He used his jab effectively to keep Tyson at a distance, landing several sharp jabs and even a few solid right hands. Tyson, in his low, bobbing stance, immediately began to press forward, looking for openings.
Biggs started strong, moving around the ring with agility and landing clean shots to Tyson’s head. Tyson, in his usual aggressive style, kept pressing forward, trying to get inside Biggs’ reach. Near the end of the round, Tyson landed a few body shots and a right hook, but Biggs managed to maintain his composure and stick to his game plan.
The crowd was already buzzing with excitement. Biggs’ strong start had everyone on their feet, wondering if he could keep it up against Tyson’s relentless pressure.
Round 2: Tyson’s Pressure
The second round began with Tyson intensifying his aggression. He moved in quickly, slipping Biggs’ jabs and landing powerful hooks to the body. Biggs tried to use his jab and footwork to keep Tyson at a distance, but Tyson’s head movement and quick footwork allowed him to close the gap.
Tyson landed a series of hard shots to Biggs’ body, causing him to wince in pain. Sensing an opportunity, Tyson unleashed a combination of hooks and uppercuts that had Biggs on the defensive. Biggs, showing his resilience, managed to avoid getting pinned against the ropes and fought back with quick jabs and counters.
The crowd was on its feet, cheering for both fighters—Tyson for his relentless aggression and Biggs for his resilience and skill. The round ended with both fighters having their moments, but Tyson’s pressure was starting to make a difference.
Round 3: Biggs’ Resilience
As the third round commenced, Biggs seemed to have found his rhythm. He used his jab effectively to keep Tyson at bay, landing several clean shots to Tyson’s head. Tyson continued to press forward, looking for openings to land his powerful hooks and uppercuts.
Biggs showed his resilience, absorbing Tyson’s body shots and responding with quick counters. He managed to land a solid right hand that momentarily stunned Tyson. The crowd was impressed with Biggs’ ability to handle Tyson’s aggression and fight back effectively.
The round ended with both fighters having their moments, but it was clear that Biggs was not going to be an easy opponent for Tyson.
Round 4: Tyson’s Persistence
The fourth round began with Tyson continuing to press the action. He moved in quickly, slipping Biggs’ jabs and landing powerful hooks to the body and head. Biggs tried to use his reach advantage to keep Tyson at a distance, but Tyson’s relentless pressure made it difficult for him to maintain his game plan.
Tyson landed a powerful left hook to Biggs’ body, causing him to wince in pain. Sensing an opportunity, Tyson unleashed a combination of hooks and uppercuts that had Biggs on the defensive. Biggs, showing incredible heart, managed to avoid getting pinned against the ropes and fought back with quick jabs and counters.
The crowd was on its feet, cheering for both fighters—Tyson for his relentless aggression and Biggs for his resilience and skill. The round ended with both fighters having their moments, but Tyson’s pressure was starting to take its toll on Biggs.
Round 5: Biggs’ Fight Back
As the fifth round commenced, Biggs seemed to regain his composure. He used his jab effectively to keep Tyson at a distance, landing several clean shots to Tyson’s head. Tyson continued to press forward, looking for openings to land his powerful hooks and uppercuts.
Biggs showed his resilience, absorbing Tyson’s body shots and responding with quick counters. He managed to land a solid right hand that momentarily stunned Tyson. The crowd was impressed with Biggs’ ability to handle Tyson’s aggression and fight back effectively.
The round ended with both fighters having their moments, but it was clear that Biggs was not going to be an easy opponent for Tyson.
Round 6: Tyson’s Dominance
The sixth round began with Tyson intensifying his aggression. He moved in quickly, slipping Biggs’ jabs and landing powerful hooks to the body and head. Biggs tried to use his reach advantage to keep Tyson at a distance, but Tyson’s relentless pressure made it difficult for him to maintain his game plan.
Tyson landed a series of hard shots to Biggs’ body, causing him to wince in pain. Sensing an opportunity, Tyson unleashed a combination of hooks and uppercuts that had Biggs on the defensive. Biggs, showing incredible heart, managed to avoid getting pinned against the ropes and fought back with quick jabs and counters.
The crowd was on its feet, cheering for both fighters—Tyson for his relentless aggression and Biggs for his resilience and skill. The round ended with Tyson firmly in control, but Biggs still standing.
Round 7: Tyson’s Power
As the seventh round commenced, Tyson came out determined to finish the fight. Biggs, visibly tired but still fighting, tried to use his jab and footwork to keep Tyson at bay. Tyson, however, was relentless, landing powerful hooks and uppercuts that had Biggs on the defensive.
Tyson landed a powerful right hook to Biggs’ body, followed by a left hook to the head that sent Biggs reeling. The referee was watching closely as Tyson moved in for the kill. He landed another series of powerful hooks to Biggs’ head and body, but Biggs, showing incredible heart, managed to stay on his feet.
The crowd was roaring, sensing that a knockout was imminent. Tyson kept pressing forward, landing punch after punch, but Biggs’ resilience allowed him to survive the round. The veteran was giving Tyson one of the toughest fights of his career so far.
Round 8: The Knockdown
The eighth round began with both fighters showing signs of fatigue but determined to finish strong. Biggs continued to use his jab and footwork to keep Tyson at bay, but Tyson’s relentless pressure was beginning to wear him down.
Tyson landed a powerful left hook to Biggs’ body, causing him to wince in pain. Sensing an opportunity, Tyson unleashed a combination of hooks and uppercuts that had Biggs on the defensive. Biggs, showing his resilience, managed to avoid getting pinned against the ropes and fought back with quick jabs and counters.
The crowd was on its feet, cheering for both fighters—Tyson for his relentless aggression and Biggs for his resilience and skill. Tyson kept pressing forward, landing punch after punch, and finally, Biggs went down. The referee began the count, but Biggs, showing incredible heart, managed to get back up and continue fighting. The round ended with Tyson firmly in control, but Biggs still standing.
Round 9: Tyson’s Persistence
As the ninth round commenced, Tyson came out with the same determination, ready to finish the fight. Biggs, visibly tired but still fighting, tried to use his jab and footwork to keep Tyson at bay. Tyson, however, was relentless, landing powerful hooks and uppercuts that had Biggs on the defensive.
Tyson landed a powerful right hook to Biggs’ body, followed by a left hook to the head that sent Biggs reeling. The referee was watching closely as Tyson moved in for the kill. He landed another series of powerful hooks to Biggs’ head and body, but Biggs, showing incredible heart, managed to stay on his feet.
The crowd was roaring, sensing that a knockout was imminent. Tyson kept pressing forward, landing punch after punch, but Biggs’ resilience allowed him to survive the round. The veteran was giving Tyson one of the toughest fights of his career so far.
Round 10: The Knockout
As the tenth round began, Tyson came out with a look of determination, ready to finish the fight. Biggs, visibly exhausted and battered, tried to keep his distance, but Tyson’s relentless pressure left him with no room to maneuver. Tyson landed a powerful right hook to Biggs’ body, followed by a left hook to the head that sent Biggs crashing to the canvas.
The referee began the count as Biggs struggled to get up. He managed to rise at the count of eight, but he was clearly dazed and unsteady on his feet. The referee took a close look and decided to let the fight continue, much to the delight of the crowd.
Tyson wasted no time. He moved in quickly and landed a series of devastating punches—a right uppercut followed by a left hook that snapped Biggs’ head back once again. Biggs fell to the canvas for the second time, and this time it was clear that he wouldn’t be getting up. The referee waved off the fight, declaring Tyson the winner by knockout.
The Aftermath
Tyson’s victory over Tyrell Biggs was another impressive display of his power and aggression. With thirty-two knockout wins in his first thirty-two professional fights, Tyson was rapidly becoming the most talked-about young boxer in the sport. His performance against Biggs solidified his reputation as a devastating knockout artist.
For Biggs, the fight was a tough loss, but he had the distinction of facing a future legend. Tyson’s ability to dismantle his opponents with such ease was a testament to his training and natural talent.
Legacy of the Fight
The fight against Tyrell Biggs was another significant step in Tyson’s early career. It showcased his incredible power, relentless aggression, and ability to overwhelm opponents quickly. This fight, like his previous bouts, was a clear indication that Tyson was destined for greatness in the heavyweight division.
