By James Slater: When they last met, as bitter ring rivals, legendary heavyweights Mike Tyson and James “Buster” Douglas put on a fight that was full of great action, but soon known around the world as THE biggest upset in boxing history. The February 1990 fight elevated Columbus journeyman Douglas to superstar status. Tyson was never ever the same fighter again, and unfortunately a rematch never took place.
In fact the two former heavyweight champions never crossed paths again. Until last night. As reported by Cincinnati.com, the two men who lit up the 1990’s boxing scene engaged in a reunion of sorts last night at a fight card in the city. Former pro Nate Tubbs, brother of former titlist Tony Tubbs, is trying to bring big-time boxing back to Cincinnati, and he enlisted the help of the two warriors who, between them, gave us the upset of the century.
The two giants met at Grand Victoria Casino, and they witnessed action put on by Daniel Judah (brother of Zab) and some up-and-coming young fighters. By all accounts Tyson and Douglas had a great time, and it must have been hard at times for the fans in attendance to keep an eye on the ring and not focus on the two ringside celebrities.
“That was cool,” Douglas said of the reunion with Iron Mike. “It was a long time coming. It meant a lot. I respect Mike, and the things that he is doing now are pretty great.”
Promoter Tubbs, a former sparring partner of Tyson, said he owes Tyson a favour for the way he agreed to come by last night. Tyson really does seem to be a changed character from the hell raiser he once was. Now looking as though he has also got himself back in good physical shape, the former “Baddest Man On The Planet” is basking in the glory of having been enshrined in The Hall of Fame in Canastota. It seems the loss to Douglas, the first in Tyson’s legendary career, is not something he has any loss of sleep over these days.
Who would have believed that back in February of ’90, when Tyson (along with Don King), did all he could to have the loss reversed due to the short-lived “long count” controversy? Tyson is relaxed with his place in history today, and he has no ill feelings at all for the one-time 42-1 underdog who knocked him out in the 10th-round in Tokyo, Japan all those years ago.