Mike Tyson and Las Vegas were synonymous with each other for thirteen years from the moment the boxing legend made his pro debut in Sin City.
“The Baddest Man on the Planet” debuted on the world-famous strip in 1986 when on the verge of becoming the youngest heavyweight champion ever. Unsurprisingly, Tyson scored an early knockout in a match with Alfonzo Ratliff at the Las Vegas Hilton.
During the days of venue bidding wars for top division stars, the Hilton brand would secure Tyson’s services as he swooped to win the WBC title against Trevor Berbick. Tyson would stage his next three bouts under the Hilton banner in Las Vegas, culminating with his undisputed title triumph against Tony Tucker.
On the back of branching out to Tokyo via boxing’s second home of Atlantic City, Tyson headed back to Vegas for the sixth time in his career against Frank Bruno. The 1989 collision would be the New Yorker’s last in Nevada until a fateful night back in Japan saw his championship run end infamously against James ‘Buster’ Douglas.
After losing his belts and aura of invincibility, Tyson would make Las Vegas his home again. Apart from one bout in AC against Alex Stewart in late 1990, Tyson fought three more times on the strip before his career was stalled by incarceration.
Following four years out of action, Tyson returned to his spiritual home in 1995 against Peter McNeeley. From 1996 to 1999, he fought six more times in Vegas, taking his tally to 15. The sixteenth against Orlin Norris in October 1999 would prove to be his last.
Mike Tyson vs Orlin Norris
A controversial fight with Norris was riddled with animosity during the build-up, and for the three minutes the fight lasted, it ended in a no-contest. Tyson was punished for hitting after the bell despite accusations that Norris was making the most of tasting the canvas.
Norris defended himself and subsequently offered Tyson a rematch, which in the early stages was accepted. Tyson had his almost $9 million purse withheld for a week and seemed intent on keeping his word. However, he didn’t, and a sizeable paycheck to fight in Europe saw Tyson leave United States shores.
Two easy victories in the United Kingdom brought Tyson back to the USA via Copenhagen, Denmark. However, Mike Tyson never again graced those bright lights.
Tensions with the Nevada State Athletic Commission had been growing since the 1997 biting incident against Evander Holyfield, so when he was punished again so soon after, Tyson had obviously had enough.
In January 2002, he tried re-applying for a boxing license to face Lennox Lewis but was denied after a shocking incident at the press conference. Promises to change his lifestyle after the Norris fight and run-ins with Las Vegas police meant Tyson was rejected 4-1 by license regulators.
It meant a sad cut-off for Tyson’s affinity with Las Vegas, which lasted for sixteen bouts over a decade and more. He ended his Las Vegas tenure with a 14-2 record.
Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, experienced boxing writer, and World Boxing News Editor since 2010. Follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
