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On November 22,
1986, Tyson was given his first title fight against
Trevor Berbick
for the
World Boxing Council
(WBC) heavyweight championship. Tyson won the title by
second round TKO, and at the age of 20 years and 4 months
became the youngest heavyweight champion in history.
Because of Tyson's strength, many
fighters were said to be too intimidated to hit him and this
was backed up by his outstanding hand speed, accuracy,
coordination, power, and timing. Tyson was also noted for
his defensive abilities. Holding his hands high in the
Peek-a-Boo
style taught by his mentor
Cus D'Amato,
he slipped and weaved out of the way of the opponent's
punches while closing the distance to deliver his own
punches. One of Tyson's trademark combinations was to throw
a right hook to his opponent's body, then follow it up with
a right uppercut to his opponent's chin; very few boxers
would remain standing if caught by this combination. Boxers
knocked down with this combination include Jesse Ferguson
and Jose Ribalta. |
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