The legendary pro boxer Mike Tyson has been involved in several bouts in his illustrious career. He has been regarded as one of the greatest in the sport. Now, sports writer Fiaz Rafiq revealed something intriguing in a memoir, ‘To The Top: Enter the Octagon, the Ring and Entertainment. It has been revealed that UFC icon Royce Gracie wanted to fight the most feared man on the planet, Tyson and wanted to become the greatest fighter in the world.
Mike Tyson withdrew the fight offer
Rafiq stated:
“[Tyson] was challenged by the Gracie Brothers, in particular Royce, back in the early 1990s.”
Rafiq claims that Gracie gave Tyson a no-holds-barred combat offer. The author then added that though Tyson withdrew, he believes there was ‘no way he’d win,’ and so the fight never took place.
Iron Mike was given a prison sentence in 1992.while on the other hand, the world of combat sports saw a drastic evolution as the UFC was introduced in 1993. At the time, Brazilian fighter Royce Gracie won three fights on the first night itself. It would have been a great fight, unfortunately, it did not materialize.
‘The Baddest Man on the Planet’ has dominated the pro boxing scene. Tyson couldn’t possibly lose a bout by being knocked out. However, on February 11, 1990, boxing fans saw a shocking upset when Tyson was knocked out.
Tyson was the undisputed heavyweight champion at the time. When he faced Buster Douglas, the public already believed Tyson would prevail. For ten outstanding rounds, Tyson did display his prowess. But Douglas outperformed Tyson in the tenth round to claim the victory.
