Mike Tyson had the speed and power of a fully grown man in his teenage years.
‘Iron Mike’ was a fantastic amateur in his youth and won gold medals at the 1981 and 1982 Junior Olympic Games.
X – Timeless SportsTyson had all the makings of a great fighter at 19 years old[/caption]
Many expected him to go on to represent the United States at the 1984 Summer Olympics but a controversial defeat to Henry Tillman at the US Olympic trials spelled an end to his dream.
Instead, an 18-year-old Tyson turned over as a professional under the watchful eye of mentor and father figure Cus D’Amato.
He had 15 bouts in his first year as a professional, all of which ended via knockout.
And within 24 months he became the youngest heavyweight world champion of all time by flattening Trevor Berbick for the WBC strap at the age of 20 years and 145 days.
Looking back at Tyson’s old training footage from his second year as a pro, it’s clear he was always destined to be great.
A video recently uploaded on X of a fresh-faced Tyson hammering the pads with immense speed and precision wowed fans, who couldn’t believe how good he was at such a tender age.
One supporter tweeted: “No way he is 19 years old.”
Another wrote: “Look at that balance and power in his legs.”
A third added: “That guy’s hands are clearly in a world of pain,” referring to Tyson’s trainer Kevin Rooney.
Meanwhile, somebody else remarked: “What most impresses me isn’t the power or quickness, it’s the ability to allow himself to be trained.
Tyson became a world champion in his first two years as a proGetty
“When you are that strong, it’s easy to think you got it.
“You can see how much of a student Mike was by asking questions and following instructions. He wanted to learn. That’s the key.”
Tyson is hoping to turn back the clock on November 15 when he squares off against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Few have given Tyson much of a chance against the ex-Disney star, who is 21 years his junior.
Paul has been actively competing in the sport for the last four years and has built up a decent 10-1 record against ageing combat sports stars.
‘The Problem Child’ previously defeated former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva when the Brazilian MMA star was 47 years old.
And he is now preparing to box Tyson at the advanced age of 58.
They were supposed to duke it out on July 20 but Tyson was deemed medically unfit to compete this summer after suffering an ulcer flare-up on a flight to Los Angeles.
However, Tyson is now back in training after his health scare and insists he is ‘feeling great’.
