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. Donovan Ruddock Mike Tyson vs. Donovan Ruddock Mike Tyson vs. Donovan Ruddock, billed as "The Fight of the Year", was a professional boxing match contested on March 18, 1991. After losing the Undisputed Heavyweight Championship to James "Buster" Douglas on February 11, 1990, Mike Tyson embarked on a comeback hopes of regaining his title. First, he knocked out 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist and former amateur opponent, Henry Tillman in the first round. Then, he met up-and-coming prospect Alex Stewart, whose 26 victories had all come by way of knockout. Despite Stewart's impressive resume, Tyson picked up another easy victory by way of