What If Mike Tyson Fought in the 1960s and 70s: Part 1 of 3

For this mythical series, we will use our time machine to move “Iron” Mike Tyson twenty years into the past. In this timeline, Tyson is born on June 30, 1946, which puts him smack dab in the middle of perhaps the most competitive era in heavyweight boxing history. How would Iron Mike have fared against Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, George Foreman, Ken Norton and the other top heavyweights of that time? Would he still become a legend? Let’s find out!

Let’s settle this in the ring:

Check out the best sportsbook bonuses!

1.

4.6/5

DraftKings Promo Code

New Customers: Bet $5+ and get $300 in Bonus Bets if it wins!

USA Players Welcome

Min. Deposit: 5

Open DraftKings

Get bonus now

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-522-4700, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $300 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Bet must settle by and Token expires 2/22/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 2/15/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

2.

4.6/5

FanDuel Promo Code

Bet & Get up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets!

USA Players Welcome

Open FanDuel

Get bonus now

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG-help.com. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. Visit www.helpmygamblingproblem.org (MA). Play it Safe. Call 1-800-547-6133 or visit mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-855-860-2942 or visit gamblinghelplineonline.org (WV). 21+ (18+ DC, KY, MD and restricted states for KS). An affiliation with Kansas Star Casino. First online real money wager only. $5 free deposit credited. Bonus credited upon wager of $5 or more within 72 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com.

3.

4.5/5

BetMGM Promo Code

Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win

USA Players Welcome

Min. Deposit: $5

Open BetMGM

Get bonus now

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). Rewards are non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for Terms. US promotional offers not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

4.

4.5/5

Bet365 Promo Code

Bet $5 & Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose

USA Players Welcome

Min. Deposit: $10

Open Bet365

Get bonus now

Whatever the moment. It’s Never Ordinary at bet365. That’s why if you sign up now you will receive $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose when you bet $5! Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 or greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&CS, time limits and exclusions apply.GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL OR TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ/CO/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ (18+ KY). Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA (select parishes)/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA.

5.

4.5/5

Caesars Promo Code

Up to $250 Bonus Bet

USA Players Welcome

Wagering (WR): 1x Deposit

Copy

Get bonus now

21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)

March 6, 1965:

Under the tutelage of Cus D’Amato, Mike Tyson turns professional, winning by a first-round TKO over Joe Thames.

December 31, 1965:

By the end of the year, Iron Mike has an undefeated record of 14-0, 13 KOs and the boxing public is beginning to take notice. Fans are in awe of his speed and power, with some touting him as the man who will dethrone Muhammad Ali.

January 15, 1966:

Tyson defeats trial horse Willi Besmanoff by a 5^th round TKO to improve his record to 15-0, 14 KOs.

April 30, 1966:

After four more stoppage victories, Tyson’s record stands at 19-0, 18 KOs

May 20, 1966: Mike Tyson vs Amos Johnson

Iron Mike wins by a first-round knockout to improve his record to 20-0, 19 KOs.

June 10, 1966: Mike Tyson vs Henry Cooper

Tyson is floored for the first time in his career by a Cooper left hook in the first round. The fighters clash heads in the 4^th, opening a nasty gash over Cooper’s left eye. The fight is stopped, and Tyson is awarded a controversial technical decision:

Tyson wins Technical SD 4

August 31, 1966:

After two more knockout victories, Iron Mike’s records stands at 23-0, 21 KOs

September 17, 1966: Mike Tyson vs Thad Spencer:

Tyson dominates from the outset dropping Spencer five times to a stoppage victory.

Tyson wins TKO 7

November 30, 1966:

Tyson stops his next two opponents to run his record to 26-0, 24 KOs

December 17, 1966: Mike Tyson vs Henry Cooper II

Tyson dominates the rematch from the start, and by the fourth round, Cooper’s face is a river of blood. Tyson wins by TKO.

Tyson wins TKO 4

March 30, 1967:

Tyson stops his next two opponents to improve his record to 29-0, 27 KOs

May 5, 1967: Mike Tyson vs George Chuvalo

Tyson controls the fight but is unable to finish the iron chinned Chuvalo. Tyson wins by unanimous decision: 99-92, 98-92, and 98-93

Tyson wins UD 10

June 30, 1967:

Tyson, now with a record of 31-0, 28 KOs, qualifies for the WBA 8-man championship tournament after Muhammad Ali is stripped of the title.

August 18, 1967: Tyson vs Ernie Terrell

Tyson faces Terrell in the first round of the WBA tournament. Ernie’s height and size give Tyson problems over the first half of the fight. However, Mike wears him down with his speed and accurate power shots. A 12^th round knockdown puts the stamp on a Tyson decision: 117-111, 117-111 and 117-110 on the scorecards.

Tyson wins UD 12

December 31, 1967:

Tyson ends the year with a record of 32-0, 28 KOS and has advanced to the final four of the WBA heavyweight tournament.

February 17, 1968: Mike Tyson vs Jerry Quarry

In the tournament semifinal, Tyson is just too strong and fast for Quarry, punishing him on the way to a 6^th round stoppage.

Tyson wins TKO 6

April 13, 1968: Mike Tyson vs Jimmy Ellis

Tyson and Ellis square off for the vacant WBA heavyweight title. Ellis boxes cleverly over the first four rounds, but it’s all Tyson after that. Tyson floors Ellis 3 times in the 7^th leading to a stoppage. Tyson wins the WBA heavyweight championship and improves his record to 34-0, 30 KOS.

Tyson wins TKO 7 (Wins WBA heavyweight championship)

July 13, 1968: Mike Tyson vs Leotis Martin

Tyson makes the first defense of his WBA heavyweight title against Martin: This is a mismatch from the outset as Tyson floors Martin five times, leading to a third-round stoppage.

Tyson wins TKO 3 (Retains WBA heavyweight Championship)

September 21, 1968: Mike Tyson vs Floyd Patterson

Patterson outfoxes Tyson over the first three rounds, but Iron Mike quickly assumes control with his power punching. One final uppercut from Tyson closes the show in the 6^th.

Tyson wins KO 6 (Retains WBA heavyweight Championship)

November 16, 1968: Mike Tyson vs George Chuvalo II

Chuvalo once again proves to be a rugged opponent for Tyson. Tyson wins virtually every round over the first 8. By the 11^th, Chuvalo is badly cut over his left eye. The referee steps in and stops the fight in the 12^th. Tyson defends his WBA heavyweight championship successfully for the 3^rd time and improves his record to 37-0, 33 KOs

Tyson TKO 12

February 8, 1969: Mike Tyson vs Buster Mathis

In his fourth title defense, Tyson dismantles Buster Mathis, flooring him twice in the fourth round before stopping him in the fifth.

Tyson wins TKO 5 (Retains WBA heavyweight Championship)

November 8, 1969: Mike Tyson vs Zora Folley

Tyson defends the WBA heavyweight championship for the 5^th time with a dominant victory over Zora Folley. Folley is down four times in the fight before the referee stops it in round 7. Tyson’s record now stands at 39-0, 35 KOs.

Tyson wins TKO 7 (Retains WBA heavyweight Championship)

4.6/5

DraftKings Review

New Customers: Bet $5+ and get $300 in Bonus Bets if it wins!

Bet now

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-522-4700, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $300 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Bet must settle by and Token expires 2/22/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 2/15/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

4.6/5

FanDuel Review

Bet & Get up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets!

Bet now

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG-help.com. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. Visit www.helpmygamblingproblem.org (MA). Play it Safe. Call 1-800-547-6133 or visit mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-855-860-2942 or visit gamblinghelplineonline.org (WV). 21+ (18+ DC, KY, MD and restricted states for KS). An affiliation with Kansas Star Casino. First online real money wager only. $5 free deposit credited. Bonus credited upon wager of $5 or more within 72 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com.

4.5/5

BetMGM Review

Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win

Bet now

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). Rewards are non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for Terms. US promotional offers not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

December 5, 1969:

Mike Tyson signs to face New York State Athletic Commission heavyweight champion, Joe Frazier in a unification match. This is one of the most anticipated matchups in heavyweight boxing history.

**This concludes Part I. Next, Tyson faces Frazier in a Heavyweight Super Fight collision, and a certain guy named Ali emerges from exile looking to reclaim his lost crown. And let’s not forget about George Foreman. All-time greats battle for dominance as the heavyweight division moves into the early and middle 1970s.