Mike Tyson this combination. Expectations for Tyson were extremely high, and he was the favorite to win the heavyweight unification series, a tournament designed to establish an undisputed heavyweight champion. Tyson defended his title against James Smith on March 7, 1987, in Las Vegas, Nevada. He won by unanimous decision and added Smith's World Boxing Association (WBA) title to his existing belt. "Tyson-mania" in the media was becoming rampant. He beat Pinklon Thomas in May by TKO in the sixth round. On August 1 he took the International Boxing Federation (IBF) title from Tony Tucker in a twelve round unanimous decision, with
Mike Tyson vs. Andrew Golota Mike Tyson vs. Andrew Golota Mike Tyson vs. Andrew Golota, billed as "Showdown in Motown", was a professional boxing match contested on October 20, 2000. After serving a 15-month ban because of his actions during his 1997 match with Evander Holyfield, Tyson returned in January 1999 with a fifth round knockout win over heavyweight contender, Francois Botha. After Botha, Tyson had little trouble with his next three opponents. He fought a no-contest with Orlin Norris. Norris was injured and could not continue after the first round. A second round knockout against journeyman fighter, Julius Francis followed by a 34-second knockout