Tyson has shared the ring with some of the best(Image: Getty Images)

Mike Tyson's explanation for brutal knockout power that left 44 opponents unconscious

04 Nov 2024, 13:00 by Aaron Morris · Wales Online

Mike Tyson has attributed his formidable punching power to divine intervention, coupled with rigorous training and refinement.

The 58-year-old boxing legend, often hailed as one of the greatest heavyweights in the sport's history, is renowned for his explosive strength, swift pace in the ring, and the unyielding onslaught he unleashed upon his adversaries. Known by the moniker 'The Baddest Man on the Planet', Tyson's last professional bout was a defeat to Kevin McBride in 2005 - concluding his career with an impressive tally of 50 wins, six losses, and two no contests.

A staggering 44 of those victories were knockouts, many delivered with such ferocity that his opponents were left either scrambling to beat the count or rendered utterly unconscious on the canvas. Tyson embarked on his professional journey in the ring against Hector Mercedes in March 1985 and swiftly clinched the WBC heavyweight title the following year with a second-round TKO over Trevor Berbick.

Remarkably, 22 of Tyson's 44 career knockouts occurred in the first round, which seems less surprising when considering that he was already knocking out grown men at the tender age of 12. Tyson acknowledges that he was naturally endowed with a potent punch, a gift he has diligently honed over time.

Speaking to GQ Sports, Tyson revealed: "I think I was born that way. But I developed it through Cus D'Amato telling me repetitiously over and over again to do this movement and to punch with this type of bad intentions," reports the Mirror.

"And just to have ferociousness and mean intentions whenever you throw punches and stuff. And try and punch through your opponent, not at him. It was some nasty stuff that I would never tell my kids to do."

Mike Tyson still holds ridiculous punching power(Image: Allsport)

Tyson made a splash in the world of boxing early on, joining D'Amato's Catskill Boxing Gym in New York when he was only 12 years old under the guidance of the legendary trainer Cus and Teddy Atlas. He quickly garnered attention for his skill, claiming gold at the Junior Olympic Games when he was just 15 and again at 16 in 1981 and 1982.

Starting his professional journey with a bang, Tyson won against Mercedes via first-round TKO in March 1985, setting the stage for a legendary career. His first year as a pro fighter saw him stepping into the ring 15 times, consistently coming out on top.

November of that same year proved particularly eventful, as he secured wins against Sterling Benjamin on the 1st, took down Eddie Richardson 12 days later, and overcame Conroy Nelson another nine days after that. Throughout his remarkable career, Tyson earned the WBA, WBC, and IBF heavyweight titles, solidifying his legacy as one of boxing's greats.

Tyson faces Jake Paul later this month(Image: AP)

His opponents have included the likes of Evander Holyfield, Frank Bruno, and Lennox Lewis. Boxing enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating Tyson's ability to channel his renowned power in the upcoming face-off with Jake Paul, who has transitioned from YouTuber to boxer as of late. The two are set to clash at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on November 15, in what promises to be a gripping match that will be available for streaming live on Netflix.

Paul has built an impressive professional record of 10-1 over the past four years, defeating UFC stars such as Nate Diaz, Anderson Silva and Mike Perry in the boxing ring. Tyson, on the other hand, hasn't stepped into the ring since his 2020 exhibition match with Roy Jones Jr, which concluded in a draw after eight rounds. However, recent training videos have raised concerns for Paul's safety in their upcoming bout, as Tyson still exhibits the raw power and fierce mindset he is renowned for.