JAYFORCE

Plain and simple, in boxing’s mid-1980’s to mid-1990’s, Iron Mike Tyson was that dude! The ‘Baddest Man On The Planet’ was trained and became known for throwing ‘punches with bad intentions’ that left opponents destroyed and fight watchers astonished. Tyson was a star gone nova who cast a commanding shadow over boxing. Meanwhile, there was Evander Holyfield… the man who captured the heavyweight title when he knocked out Buster Douglas, the only dude to date who had knocked Tyson out… the man long-considered a mild-mannered champ, a legitimate champ, but never a truly great champ. In that era, when there were several who might ascend to that status, the way to it ran through Mike Tyson. To be the man, you gotta beat the man; and Iron Mike was that man. Holyfield was ready for that status, ready to take on ‘the man’ in 1991, but Tyson had to pull out due to injury. Rescheduling of the fight of destiny was further delayed when Tyson was convicted of rape later and had to spend time in jail. Even when he was in prison, away from the sport, people overwhelmingly considered Tyson the best of in heavyweight boxing.

All the while, Holyfield was fighting for titles and standing – dramatically gaining, losing and regaining the heavyweight crown. He was fighting. Tyson was sitting. And still, no real respect as a champ on his own… until November 1996. Holyfield, then 34, would finally get his shot at the heavily favored and four-years’ younger Tyson. Truly, this would be when Holyfield could earn the title, not just a belt, but undisputed status as ‘the man’ in heavyweight boxing. Yeah, ’96 gone be that year, when Holyfield was really considered the ‘Real Deal.’ After spending much of The Golden Era “Chasing Tyson,” Holyfield would do it.

Twice.

And that second time… maaaan! Yeah, another incredible 30 For 30 by ESPN. Watch above.