Mike Tyson, one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all-time who dominated the sport for decades, has named the only boxer who could take his full punch power.
Between 1985 and 2005, the ruthless Tyson took part in 58 professional bouts across a glittering career that came to an end as he approached his 39th birthday.
‘Iron Mike’ chalked up 50 wins and just six losses in that time, with an astounding 44 victories via knockout.
In terms of his defeats, Evander Holyfield memorably beat Tyson twice in the 1990s, while Briton Lennox Lewis knocked him out at a contest in 2002.
Buster Douglas, Danny Williams and Kevin McBride were the other three fighters to have knocked out Tyson in his professional career.
But neither of these three, nor Holyfield or Lewis, were once named by Tyson as the opponent who could live with his punches.
That accolade goes to Jose Ribalta, whom Tyson fought in his 26th bout at the age of just 20 in August 1986.
Tyson won that bout with a technical knockout in the 10th round at the Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City in New Jersey.
The victory was a remarkable 26 without loss for Tyson, who only lost his first professional fight in 1990 when he took on Douglas in what was then his 38th bout, having been the undisputed world heavyweight champion between then and 1987.
Speaking in 2014 to Ring TV in a Q&A, Tyson felt that Ribalta was the one fighter who was able to take his punches as he believes the opponent had the best chin and was the strongest he faced.
He said: “I hit Jose Ribalta with everything, and he took everything and kept coming back for more. Jose Ribalta stood toe to toe with me. He was very strong in the clinches.”
Mike Tyson (L) moves against Jose Ribalta during a bout at Trump Plaza Hotel on August 17, 1986 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Image credit: Getty
Tyson will face YouTube personality Jake Paul in a boxing match on November 15. It will take place at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
Featured Image Credit: YouTube – Getty Images
Topics: Mike Tyson, Boxing, Boxing News