Evander Holyfield stopped Mike Tyson on this day

Evander Holyfield stopped Mike Tyson inside 11 rounds to regain the heavyweight belt and become the first heavyweight since Muhammad Ali to win a world title three times. Holyfield headed into the fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas as a massive underdog against Tyson, who had already defeated two world champions in four stoppage wins since his return to the ring following his release from prison the previous year. Tyson, whose undisputed reign was ended by Buster Douglas six years earlier, sent Holyfield scuttling backwards with his very first punch but “The Real Deal” fought back and was in control by the end of the round. “Iron Mike” was floored for only the second time in his career in the sixth round, saved by the bell in the 10th before referee Mitch Halpern stepped to call a halt after 37 seconds of the 11th. The pair would meet the following year in an infamous rematch, which saw Tyson disqualified after three rounds for biting both of Holyfield’s ears.