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Tyson's Back
DateJune 24, 2000
VenueHampden Park in Glasgow, Scotland
Tale of the tape
Boxer United States Mike Tyson United States Lou Savarese
Nickname Iron
Hometown Catskill, New York, US Houston, Texas, US
Pre-fight record 47–3–0–1 (41 KO) 39–3 (32 KO)
Height 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) 6 ft 5 in (196 cm)
Weight 222 lb (101 kg) 241+1⁄4 lb (109 kg)
Style Orthodox Orthodox
Recognition Former undisputed heavyweight champion Former IBA heavyweight champion
Result
Tyson wins via 1st-round TKO

Mike Tyson vs. Lou Savarese, billed as Tyson's Back, was a professional boxing match contested on June 24, 2000.

Background

Mike Tyson embarked on a comeback in 1999, marking his return to the ring after a nine-month hiatus, primarily due to a four-month prison sentence.[1] His comeback journey began with a victory on January 16, 1999, when he knocked out former IBF Heavyweight champion Francois Botha in the fifth round. Following this, Tyson faced former WBA Cruiserweight champion Orlin Norris, but their bout ended in a no-contest due to an accidental punch that landed after the bell.[2]

Three months later, Tyson had his first-ever fight in the United Kingdom, defeating British journeyman Julius Francis by a second-round knockout. In February 2000, Tyson announced his next opponent, fringe contender Lou Savarese. Initially slated for Milan in May,[3] the bout was postponed after Tyson reportedly needed more time to train.[4] The fight was then moved to Hampden Park in Glasgow, and rescheduled for 24 June. The decision to allow Tyson back into the United Kingdom sparked protests due to his prior rape conviction,[5] but Glasgow city council ultimately voted 10–1 in favour of permitting the match to proceed.[6]

The fight

In the bout with Savarese, Tyson made a swift impact with a left hand that sent Savarese to the canvas.[7] Savarese managed to rise but faced a relentless onslaught from Tyson. Referee John Coyle attempted to intervene at 26 seconds, but Tyson continued to attack, even briefly taking down Coyle. Tyson's corner eventually entered the ring, and he regained his composure. The fight was declared a technical knockout victory for Tyson after only 38 seconds of action.[8] It was the second quickest fight of his career, behind only his 30-second victory over Marvis Frazier in 1986.

During his post-fight interview with Jim Gray of Showtime, Tyson called out Lennox Lewis, stating, "I want your heart, I want to eat your children. Praise be to Allah."[9]

References

  1. ^ "BOXING; Tyson Released Early From Jail for Good Behavior". The New York Times. 25 May 1999. Retrieved 12 August 2013.
  2. ^ Freeman, Mike (24 October 1999). "BOXING; In Bizarre Ending, Tyson Bout Is Declared a No Contest". The New York Times. Retrieved 12 August 2013.
  3. ^ "Tyson And Savarese Set May Bout In Italy". philly.com. 11 March 2000. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 12 August 2013.
  4. ^ "Tyson-Savarese fight postponed to June 24". ESPN.com Boxing. 26 April 2000. Retrieved 12 August 2013.
  5. ^ "Tyson Visa Sparks Protests". The New York Times. 19 May 2000. Retrieved 12 August 2013.
  6. ^ "Tyson Fight Protested Again". The New York Times. 18 June 2000. Retrieved 12 August 2013.
  7. ^ Smith, Tyrone (24 June 2020). "Lou Savarese recalls Hampden bout with Mike Tyson 20 years on". BBC Sport. Retrieved 3 October 2023.
  8. ^ Peck, Joshua (25 June 2020). "Mike Tyson beat Lou Savarese in 38 seconds despite taking drugs before". Daily Star. Retrieved 3 October 2023.
  9. ^ Reid, Alex (24 June 2022). "Mike Tyson dropped Lou Savarese with his first punch and floored the ref in 38-second win". talkSPORT. Retrieved 3 October 2023.
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