Mike Tyson became the youngest heavyweight world champion in history with a devastating display against Trevor Berbick.
‘Iron Mike’ was just 20 years and 150 days old on fight night, but he was a big favourite to win after amassing a perfect 27-fight record and knocking out all but two of his opponents.
Berbick came into the fight as WBC champion, but despite being the man in possession of the gold, he was a 7/1 underdog against Tyson.
However, being the champ gave Berbick the decision on what colour trunks he would wear to defend the crown. Opting for mind games, he chose black, which Tyson had made his trademark as he blasted his way into contention. The challenger didn’t care, swallowing the $500k fine for his outfit, while the stunt backfired spectacular.
The bookies were quickly proven right when Tyson and Berbick squared off at the Hilton in Las Vegas on November 22, 1986.
As the first round began, both men took to the centre of the ring, Berbick set about trying to show his power, while Tyson used his signature bob-and-weave technique to back him up.
Berbick, who was 12 years older than his opponent, landed a couple of jabs and an illegal blow to the back of the head, but he had no impact on the fight.
By round two, Tyson was ready to close the show and tried to do just that by rocking Berbick with a huge overhand right during a clinch.
The following uppercut missed, but the young American connected with a left hook to the temple that sent Berbick tumbling to the canvas.
Tyson’s rival staggered to his feet before falling into the ropes and forcing referee Mills Lane to wave off the fight after less than six minutes.
After making history in epic fashion, he simply shrugged his shoulders before his corner jumped into the ring to celebrate with him.
“I came here very confident, and I knew I wasn’t leaving this ring alive without the championship of the world,” Tyson said.
“I was throwing deadly and accurate punches.
“I’ll fight anybody. I’m the best fighter in the world.
“No man can beat me.”
For Berbick, he met a grisly end in 2006 when murdered by his own nephew after being in regular trouble with the law and spending time behind bars.
Tyson’s comment about being unbeateable, though, rang true during the next four years as he went on an incredible run of destructive knockout wins and instilled fear at the top of the sport’s marquee division.
After improving his record to 37-0 and picking up all three major world titles, he suffered one of the biggest upsets in boxing history against Buster Douglas in February 1990.
Tyson retired from the sport with a 50-6 record in 2005 but almost two decades later many fans still regard him as the best heavyweight of all time.
