RARE!! WATCH MIKE TYSON’S DEBUT

On this day in 1985, the legend Mike Tyson made his professional boxing debut at the age of 18 against Puerto Rican, Hector Mercedes. The fight took place on the 6th of March, 1985 at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in New York – the home of Mike’s first 3 fights.

Previously as an amateur, Tyson won gold medals at the 1981 and 1982 Junior Olympic Games, defeating Joe Cortez in 1981 and Kelton Brown in 1982. He fought Henry Tillman twice as an amateur, losing both bouts by close decision which ultimately cost Tyson his place on the Olympic team. Tillman subsequently went on to win heavyweight gold at the Summer Olympics that year. Tyson avenged these losses in the pro ranks with a first round knockout of Tillman six years later, in what was Tyson’s return following a shock loss to Buster Douglas in 1990.

Tyson’s pro debut lasted just over 100 seconds with Mercedes taking brutal punishment up against the ropes before taking a knee following a devastating left hook to the body. That was enough for the Puerto Rican and this began the start of a wild journey for Tyson, on the road to becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.

Enjoy Tyson’s debut below…

Boxing Guru also take a look back at some of Mike Tyson’s greatest early knockouts and have picked out 4 beauty’s for you to watch from his early days.