Mike Tyson vs. Lou Savarese explained

Fight Name:Tyson's Back
Fight Date:24 June 2000
Location:Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland
Fighter1: Mike Tyson
Nickname1:"Iron"
Hometown1:Catskill, New York, US
Record1:47–3 (1) (41 KO)
Height1:5 ft 10 in
Weight1:222 lb
Style1:Orthodox
Recognition1:WBO
No. 1 Ranked Heavyweight
WBA
No. 4 Ranked Heavyweight[1]
IBF
No. 8 Ranked Heavyweight
Former undisputed heavyweight champion
Fighter2: Lou Savarese
Hometown2:Houston, Texas, US
Record2:39–3 (32 KO)
Height2:6 ft 5 in
Weight2:241+1/4 lb
Style2:Orthodox
Recognition2:WBC
No. 17 Ranked Heavyweight
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.[2]

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.[3] 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.[4]

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,[5] the bout was postponed after Tyson reportedly needed more time to train.[6] 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,[7] but Glasgow City Council ultimately voted 10–1 in favour of permitting the match to proceed.[8]

The fight

In the bout with Savarese, Tyson made a swift impact with a left hand that sent Savarese to the canvas.[9] 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.[10] It was the second quickest fight of his career, behind only his 30-second victory over Marvis Frazier in 1986.

Aftermath

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."[11]

Undercard

Confirmed bouts:[12]

Broadcasting

align=center Countryalign=center Broadcaster
Sky Sports
Showtime

Notes and References

  1. Web site: FightNews.com World Boxing Rankings . fightnews.com . FightNews.com . 12 July 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20000620033939/http://www.fightnews.com/rankings2.htm . 20 June 2000 . 12 June 2000.
  2. Web site: Mike Tyson vs. Lou Savarese . boxrec.com . BoxRec . 12 July 2024.
  3. Web site: 25 May 1999 . BOXING; Tyson Released Early From Jail for Good Behavior . 12 August 2013 . The New York Times.
  4. Web site: Freeman . Mike . 24 October 1999 . BOXING; In Bizarre Ending, Tyson Bout Is Declared a No Contest . 12 August 2013 . The New York Times.
  5. Web site: 11 March 2000 . Tyson And Savarese Set May Bout In Italy . https://web.archive.org/web/20150402152305/http://articles.philly.com/2000-03-11/sports/25604107_1_jay-larkin-ibf-julian-francis . 2 April 2015 . 12 August 2013 . philly.com.
  6. Web site: 26 April 2000 . Tyson-Savarese fight postponed to June 24 . 12 August 2013 . ESPN.com Boxing.
  7. Web site: 19 May 2000 . Tyson Visa Sparks Protests . 12 August 2013 . The New York Times.
  8. Web site: 18 June 2000 . Tyson Fight Protested Again . 12 August 2013 . The New York Times.
  9. News: Smith . Tyrone . 2020-06-24 . Lou Savarese recalls Hampden bout with Mike Tyson 20 years on . 3 October 2023 . BBC Sport . en-GB.
  10. Web site: Peck . Joshua . 2020-06-25 . Mike Tyson beat Lou Savarese in 38 seconds despite taking drugs before . 3 October 2023 . Daily Star . en.
  11. Web site: Reid . Alex . 2022-06-24 . Mike Tyson dropped Lou Savarese with his first punch and floored the ref in 38-second win . 3 October 2023 . talkSPORT . en-gb.
  12. Web site: BoxRec - event.