Today's news recalls the historic win of the boxing world. February 11, 1990, was the day that shook the boxing world when nobody James Buster Douglas made a historic win against the all-time undefeated heavyweight champion Mike Tyson.
Scenes Before the Fight
Mike Tyson has always ruled the boxing ring as the best boxer in the world with a record of defeating opponents in a matter of seconds of entering the boxing ring. As compared to Tyson, Douglas was an unknown boxer who has won several fights without remarkable recognition in his career. Also, the fight was seen as a warm-up for Tyson before facing Evander Holyfield.
The Fight that Shook the Boxing World
On February 11, 1990, in Tokyo, the scenario of the fight between Douglas and Tyson was hard to describe as the tables were turned and the expectation were not met. Douglas who was nobody before the game and Tyson who had always dominated the boxing ring, saw the situation turning into something unexpected the world had never seen before.
Douglas entered the ring with all his might with the hope of mauling Tyson, while Tyson entered with a record of 37-0 with 33 knockouts. Douglas was prepared to fight in an aggressive, fast and tireless way while Tyson seemed out of shape, sort of unprepared.
Douglas landed several powerful punches throughout the fight. In the 9th round, Douglas forced Tyson to the ground, and in the 10th round, he knocked Tyson out, becoming the new undisputed heavyweight champion.
Buster Douglas Earnings from the Fight
Douglas was paid $1.3 million for the fight. He added a total of $3 million with bonuses and PPV money to his bank balance. It was only the breakthrough of his increased earnings from boxing. His next fight against Evander Holyfield earned him $24.1 million, equivalent to around $60 million today made him play in money. Douglas' total earnings from these two fights amount to approximately $70 million.
Mike Tyson earned $$6 million as he lost to Buster Douglas. Holyfield earned $8 million and defeated James Buster Douglas. Douglas has earned the name, money, and fame from his historic against Mike Tyson 35 years ago today.