Federal Cooperative College Ibadan

MIKE TYSON VS. JAMES “BONECRUSHER” SMITH: WHEN IRON MIKE MET A MAN WHO REFUSED TO GO DOWN! 🥊🔥 On March 7, 1987, a 20-year-old Mike Tyson stepped into the ring against James “Bonecrusher” Smith in a heavyweight championship showdown. Tyson was already terrorizing the division with his explosive power, speed and relentless aggression, but Smith had no intention of becoming another knockout victim. From the opening bell, Tyson pressed forward, looking to unleash his trademark combinations. Smith, however, relied heavily on clinching and tying Tyson up to disrupt his rhythm. Referee Mills Lane repeatedly warned him and deducted points in the second and eighth rounds for excessive holding. Despite Tyson's constant pressure, Smith proved difficult to finish, taking the fight into the final round. With seconds remaining, Smith finally landed a powerful right hand that briefly rocked Tyson, giving him one memorable moment in an otherwise difficult night. When the final bell sounded, Tyson won by unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring comfortably in his favour. The victory earned him the WBA heavyweight title alongside his WBC belt, bringing him closer to becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion. Smith survived all 12 rounds, but Tyson walked away with another championship. Iron Mike wasn't always getting the knockout, but he was finding ways to win. 🔥🥊