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. Mitch Green Mike Tyson vs. Mitch Green Mike Tyson vs. Mitch Green, billed as "New York Is Busting Out", was a professional boxing match contested on May 20, 1986. Mike Tyson was 19 years old and undefeated when he met former heavyweight contender James "Quick" Tillis in his 20th professional bout. Tyson had won all his 19 previous fights by way of knockout, while Tillis had lost four of his previous five fights and came into the fight as a huge underdog. Tillis, however, put on a good effort and was able to take Tyson the full 10 rounds, the first time