Today in Boxing History: Buster Douglas KOs Tyson in Tokyo

On this day in 1990, James “Buster� Douglas won the undisputed heavyweight title with a 10th-round knockout of Mike Tyson in Tokyo, Japan. It was, and may always be, the biggest upset in boxing history.

Tyson had won the WBC portion of the title in 1986, with a second-round stoppage of Trevor Berbick. He then dominated the heavyweight division in a manner that only a few fighters ever have. Tyson unified the championship and defended his belts nine times, cleaning out the heavyweight ranks in the process. The only logical contender left for Tyson was Evander Holyfield, and a match was in the works for the fall of 1990. In the meantime, Tyson chose to travel to Japan for what he thought would be any easy payday against Douglas.

Considered an underachiever by the boxing community, the physically-blessed Douglas had challenged Tony Tucker for the vacant IBF Heavyweight title in 1987, and given a good showing before tiring and being stopped in the 10th round. Following that loss, he reeled of six straight wins, including back-to-back decisions over Berbick and Oliver McCall, and earned a shot at a Tyson.

Saying that Douglas was not given much of a chance is an understatement. He was 40-1 underdog coming into the bout. However, Douglas showed up in shape and unfazed by Tyson’s presence. From the opening bell, he used his tremendous size and reach to jab Tyson at will and keep him at bay. By the middle rounds, Tyson eyes were swelling.

Late in the eighth round, Tyson finally landed one his blockbuster bombs, an uppercut that sent his opponent to the canvas. Douglas made it up before the ten-count and the round ended before Tyson was able to inflict any more damage.

In the 10th, it was Douglas’ turn. He nailed Tyson with an uppercut and then sent him to the canvas for the first time in his career with a one-two. Tyson’s mouthpiece flew out in the process. He found it midway through the count and put back in his mouth sideways. The ten-count ended with a dazed Tyson standing with his mouthpiece hanging out. Douglas was the new heavyweight champion. In an interview after the bout, he dedicated the win to his mother, who had died of a stroke shortly before the fight.

Eight months later, an out of shape Douglas was knocked out in the third round by Holyfield. Tyson and Holyfield were then scheduled to fight for the title but that fight was cancelled when Tyson was charged with rape in 1991. He was convicted in 1992. While he returned to the ring upon his release in 1995, won a piece of the heavyweight title, and remained a force in boxing until 2002, the loss to Douglas marked the end of his dominance over the heavyweight division.