10 Huge Boxing Upsets Nobody Expected To See
5. Evander Holyfield Defeats Mike Tyson
1996 saw a match come together which many had been calling for for years.
Controversial champion but all round destructive heavyweight Mike Tyson was looking like he was back to somewhere near his devastating best, while the experienced Holyfield was hoping to pull off the shock win.
In a masterclass of defensive boxing which employed brilliant tactics, Holyfield ground down and wore out Tyson, nullifying his power throughout the entire fight.
A barrage of unanswered shots in the 11th round saw the referee step in to halt proceedings with Tyson clinging on for dear life, seemingly short of energy and ideas.
The win capped a memorable night for Holyfield as he captured a third heavyweight crown and showed the world he did indeed still have the quality at world level.
A controversial rematch followed, which is best remembered for Tyson doing the unthinkable and biting a chunk of Holyfield's ear off.