Mike Tyson’s twenty-first professional fight took place against Mitch Green on May 20, 1986, at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Tyson, with a perfect record of 20-0, was rapidly becoming the most feared fighter in the heavyweight division. This fight against Mitch “Blood” Green was seen as another stepping stone for Tyson on his path to the heavyweight championship. Let’s dive into a detailed, round-by-round account of this fight in a casual, storytelling voice.
Build-Up to the Fight
Mike Tyson was on a roll, and everyone knew it. With twenty straight wins, almost all by knockout, Tyson was the talk of the boxing world. Mitch Green, a tough and durable fighter with a solid record, was expected to be a significant challenge. Known for his resilience and street-tough background, Green had a reputation for being a tough customer. The atmosphere was electric as fans filled Madison Square Garden, eager to see if Tyson could continue his dominance against a gritty opponent.
Round 1: Tyson’s Explosive Start
As the bell rang for the first round, Tyson came out of his corner with his usual intensity. Green, aware of Tyson’s reputation, kept his guard high and moved cautiously around the ring. Tyson, in his low, bobbing stance, immediately went on the offensive, pressing forward with his signature aggression.
Tyson wasted no time closing the distance. He landed a sharp left hook to Green’s body, followed by a right hook to the head. Green used his height and reach advantage to try and keep Tyson at bay with his jab, but Tyson slipped the punches effortlessly and countered with powerful shots of his own. Tyson’s speed and power were evident as he landed a flurry of hooks and uppercuts, forcing Green to cover up and retreat.
The crowd was already on its feet, cheering for Tyson’s relentless aggression. Green managed to land a few jabs, but they did little to deter Tyson, who kept pressing forward. Near the end of the round, Tyson landed a brutal right uppercut that snapped Green’s head back, drawing a gasp from the audience. The bell rang, and Green looked relieved to have survived the opening round.
Round 2: Green’s Resilience
The second round began with Green using his jab and footwork to keep Tyson at a distance. Tyson, in his usual aggressive style, kept pressing forward, looking to land big shots. Green, however, was more elusive in this round, moving around the ring and using his jab effectively to disrupt Tyson’s rhythm.
Tyson landed a few hard shots to the body, but Green responded with quick counters and jabs. The veteran’s experience was showing, as he was able to avoid some of Tyson’s most powerful punches. Tyson continued to press the action, but Green’s movement and defense were making it difficult for him to land clean, effective punches.
The crowd was impressed with Green’s ability to handle Tyson’s aggression. As the round ended, it was clear that Green was not going to be an easy opponent for the young knockout artist.
Round 3: Tyson’s Persistence
As the third round commenced, Tyson came out with the same determination, ready to break through Green’s defenses. Green 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 Green’s body, causing him to wince in pain. Sensing an opportunity, Tyson unleashed a combination of hooks and uppercuts that had Green on the defensive. Green, 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 Green 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 4: Green’s Strategy
The fourth round began with Green continuing to use his movement and jab to frustrate Tyson. Tyson, however, was relentless in his pursuit, landing hard shots to Green’s body and head. Green absorbed the punches and fought back with quick counters and jabs, showing his experience and toughness.
Tyson’s aggression was beginning to take its toll on Green, but the veteran was not backing down. He continued to move around the ring and use his jab to keep Tyson at a distance. The crowd was impressed with Green’s ability to handle Tyson’s power and aggression.
As the round ended, it was clear that Green was not going to be an easy opponent for Tyson. The young knockout artist was facing a real challenge, and the crowd was loving every minute of it.
Round 5: Tyson’s Power
As the fifth round commenced, Tyson came out with a look of determination, ready to finish the fight. Green, 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 Green on the defensive.
Tyson landed a powerful right hook to Green’s body, followed by a left hook to the head that sent Green reeling. The referee was watching closely as Tyson moved in for the kill. He landed another series of powerful hooks to Green’s head and body, but Green, 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 Green’s resilience allowed him to survive the round. The veteran was giving Tyson one of the toughest fights of his career so far.
Round 6: Green’s Counterattack
The sixth round began with Green showing signs of fatigue, but he continued to fight back with quick jabs and counters. Tyson, relentless as ever, kept pressing forward, landing hard shots to Green’s body and head. Green absorbed the punches and fought back, landing a few solid counters that caught Tyson’s attention.
Tyson’s aggression was beginning to take its toll on Green, but the veteran was not backing down. He continued to move around the ring and use his jab to keep Tyson at a distance. The crowd was impressed with Green’s ability to handle Tyson’s power and aggression.
As the round ended, it was clear that Green was not going to be an easy opponent for Tyson. The young knockout artist was facing a real challenge, and the crowd was loving every minute of it.
Round 7: Tyson’s Pressure
As the seventh round commenced, Tyson came out with the same determination, ready to break through Green’s defenses. Green 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 Green’s body, causing him to wince in pain. Sensing an opportunity, Tyson unleashed a combination of hooks and uppercuts that had Green on the defensive. Green, 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 Green 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 8: Green’s Fight Back
The eighth round began with Green continuing to use his movement and jab to frustrate Tyson. Tyson, however, was relentless in his pursuit, landing hard shots to Green’s body and head. Green absorbed the punches and fought back with quick counters and jabs, showing his experience and toughness.
Tyson’s aggression was beginning to take its toll on Green, but the veteran was not backing down. He continued to move around the ring and use his jab to keep Tyson at a distance. The crowd was impressed with Green’s ability to handle Tyson’s power and aggression.
As the round ended, it was clear that Green was not going to be an easy opponent for Tyson. The young knockout artist was facing a real challenge, and the crowd was loving every minute of it.
Round 9: Tyson’s Determination
As the ninth round commenced, Tyson came out with a look of determination, ready to finish the fight. Green, 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 Green on the defensive.
Tyson landed a powerful right hook to Green’s body, followed by a left hook to the head that sent Green reeling. The referee was watching closely as Tyson moved in for the kill. He landed another series of powerful hooks to Green’s head and body, but Green, 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 Green’s 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 Final Round
The final round began with both fighters showing signs of fatigue but determined to finish strong. Green 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 Green’s body, causing him to wince in pain. Sensing an opportunity, Tyson unleashed a combination of hooks and uppercuts that had Green on the defensive. Green, 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 Green for his resilience and skill. Tyson kept pressing forward, landing punch after punch, but Green’s toughness allowed him to survive the final round.
The Decision
As the fight ended, both fighters embraced, showing mutual respect for the tough battle they had just endured. The judges’ scorecards were read, and Tyson was declared the winner by unanimous decision. While Tyson didn’t get the knockout he was known for, he had proven that he could go the distance and win against a tough, durable opponent.
The Aftermath
Tyson’s victory over Mitch Green was another impressive display of his power and aggression. With twenty-one wins and twenty knockouts, Tyson was rapidly becoming the most talked-about young boxer in the sport. His performance against Green solidified his reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the heavyweight division.
For Green, 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 Mitch Green 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.
