Tyson vs. Spinks: 25th Anniversary

Tyson vs. Spinks: 25th Anniversary
Tyson vs. Spinks: 25th Anniversary /

Tyson vs. Spinks: 25th Anniversary

130627114646-mike-tyson-michael-spinks-fight-006273755hr-single-image-cut.jpg
Manny Millan/SI

June 27, 2013, marks the 25-year anniversary of Mike Tyson knocking out Michael Spinks in just 91 seconds. To date, it is the sixth-shortest heavyweight title bout in history.

130627114636-mike-tyson-don-king-079007694-single-image-cut.jpg
John Iacono/SI

Mike Tyson speaks before his fight with Michael Spinks at Boardwalk Convention Hall in Atlantic City, NJ. Both boxers entered undefeated -- Tyson at 34-0 (30 KO) and Spinks at 31-0 (21 KO).

130627114706-robin-givens-080061106-single-image-cut.jpg
Manny Millan/SI

Robin Givens, Mike Tyson's wife at the time, looks on anxiously before the opening round.

130627114652-mike-tyson-michael-spinks-fight-080080229-single-image-cut.jpg
John Iacono/SI

Tyson was aggressive from the get-go, landing a powerful left hook and putting Spinks on the defensive.

130627114701-mike-tyson-michael-spinks-fight-nlc-01146-single-image-cut.jpg
Neil Leifer/SI

A left uppercut and a right punch to the body forced Spinks to kneel down and re-gather himself. Referee Frank Cappuccino attempted to hold Tyson back.

130627114656-mike-tyson-michael-spinks-fight-0f1-single-image-cut.jpg
John Iacono/SI

Spinks never fully recovered. A furious left-right combination to the head put Spinks out for good.

130627114643-mike-tyson-michael-spinks-fight-001252721-single-image-cut.jpg
Manny Millan/SI

Tyson stands over Spinks victoriously, having needed only eight punches to finish him off for the title.

130627114649-mike-tyson-michael-spinks-fight-079007654-single-image-cut.jpg
John Iacono/SI

The fight -- which, at the time, was the richest in boxing history, grossing roughly $70 million -- earned Tyson a purse of around $20 million. Spinks, despite the loss, walked away with $13.5 million.

130627114639-mike-tyson-kevin-rooney-079007693-single-image-cut.jpg
John Iacono/SI

Mike Tyson celebrates with trainer Kevin Rooney after the fight.

130627114633-mike-tyson-079006223-single-image-cut.jpg
Manny Millan/SI

Tyson wears three title belts in celebration of his victory.


Published