Mike Tyson Becomes Undisputed Heavyweight Champion – August 1, 1987 (This Day In Boxing History)

Thirty-five years ago, Mike Tyson unified the heavyweight titles.

Tyson became the undisputed heavyweight champion by hammering out a 12-round unanimous decision against Tony Tucker.

Tyson, who was an 11-1 betting favorite, retained his WBA and WBC titles, capturing Tucker’s IBF belt to become the first undisputed champion since Leon Spinks upset Muhammad Ali in February 1978.

Early in the bout, it looked like Tucker to overthrow Tyson for the undisputed throne thanks to right uppercuts and straight right hands.

But Tyson didn’t let him have to too easy, stopping his opponent’s punches in the fourth round and regaining control by then.

“Yes, he did. He’s a very hard puncher. After it hit me, it was history. It went away,” Tyson said after the fight.