Just one of those punches from either guy would kill the average man: Professional american heavyweight boxer Mike Tyson (45–1, 39 KO – pre-fight record) against skilled and strong undisputed champion at cruiserweight in the late and at heavyweight Evander Holyfield (32–3, 23 KO – pre-fight record) | HO

Professional american heavyweight boxer Mike Tyson (45–1, 39 KO – pre-fight record) against skilled and strong undisputed champion at cruiserweight in the late and at heavyweight Evander Holyfield (32–3, 23 KO – pre-fight record). Fight took place in MGM Grand Garden Arena in Paradise, Nevada, at November 9, 1996. Spectacular boxing fight, HD.

Evander Holyfield and defending World Boxing Association heavyweight champion Mike Tyson finally met on Nov. 9, 1996, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, after a five-year and one-day delay from their previously scheduled, highly anticipated match. In the intervening years, Tyson went to prison for a rape conviction and Holyfield continued his career in the ring, including his storied trilogy of fights with Riddick Bowe. Take a look back at this legendary fight, and one of the biggest upsets in boxing history.

From left, Evander Holyfield, Mike Tyson and promoter Don King announce the long-awaited upcoming championship bout between the two boxers at the post-fight press conference on Sept. 7, 1996, following Tyson's WBA heavyweight championship victory over Bruce Seldon earlier in the evening at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, in Las Vegas.

From left, Evander Holyfield, Mike Tyson and promoter Don King announce the long-awaited upcoming championship bout between the two boxers at the post-fight press conference on Sept. 7, 1996, following Tyson’s WBA heavyweight championship victory over Bruce Seldon earlier in the evening at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, in Las Vegas.

Promoter Don King speaks at the podium on Nov. 7, 1996, at the final press conference for the upcoming Mike Tyson versus Evander Holyfield WBA heavyweight title fight, at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

Promoter Don King speaks at the podium on Nov. 7, 1996, at the final press conference for the upcoming Mike Tyson versus Evander Holyfield WBA heavyweight title fight, at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

WBA Heavyweight Mike Tyson, left, and Evander Holyfield, right, are separated by promoter Don King at the final press conference on Nov. 7, 1996, for their upcoming heavyweight title fight, at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

WBA Heavyweight Mike Tyson, left, and Evander Holyfield, right, are separated by promoter Don King at the final press conference on Nov. 7, 1996, for their upcoming heavyweight title fight, at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

Mike Tyson weighs in at 222 lbs. on Nov. 8, 1996, for his fight against Mike Tyson at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on November 9, in Las Vegas.

Mike Tyson weighs in at 222 lbs. on Nov. 8, 1996, for his fight against Mike Tyson at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on November 9, in Las Vegas.

Evander Holyfield weighs in at 215 lbs. on Nov. 8, 1996, for his fight against Mike Tyson at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on November 9, in Las Vegas.

Evander Holyfield weighs in at 215 lbs. on Nov. 8, 1996, for his fight against Mike Tyson at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on November 9, in Las Vegas.

Mike Tyson enters the ring before his bout with Evander Holyfield at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.

Mike Tyson enters the ring before his bout with Evander Holyfield at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.

Evander Holyfield enters the ring before his bout with Mike Tyson at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.

Evander Holyfield enters the ring before his bout with Mike Tyson at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.

Mike Tyson attacks Evander Holyfield in the first round at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.

Mike Tyson attacks Evander Holyfield in the first round at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.

Evander Holyfield mixes it up with Mike Tyson in the first round at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.

Evander Holyfield mixes it up with Mike Tyson in the first round at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.

Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.

Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.

Mike Tyson hits Evander Holyfield with a left hook during their bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.

Mike Tyson hits Evander Holyfield with a left hook during their bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.

Mike Tyson ducks to cover his head from the punches of Evander Holyfield at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.

Mike Tyson ducks to cover his head from the punches of Evander Holyfield at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.

Evander Holyfield punches Mike Tyson during their bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.

Evander Holyfield punches Mike Tyson during their bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.

Mike Tyson gets up after being knocked down by Evander Holyfield in the fourth round during their WBA Heavyweight Championship bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.

Mike Tyson gets up after being knocked down by Evander Holyfield in the fourth round during their WBA Heavyweight Championship bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.

Mike Tyson stumbles in the ring during his bout with Evander Holyfield at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.

Mike Tyson stumbles in the ring during his bout with Evander Holyfield at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.

Mike Tyson throws a right hook at Evander Holyfield during their bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.

Mike Tyson throws a right hook at Evander Holyfield during their bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.

Mike Tyson hits Evander Holyfield during their bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.

Mike Tyson hits Evander Holyfield during their bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.

Evander Holyfield is splashed with water while in his corner during his bout with Mike Tyson at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.
Evander Holyfield is splashed with water while in his corner during his bout with Mike Tyson at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.

The referee separates Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield during their fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.


The referee separates Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield during their fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.

Evander Holyfield knocks down Mike Tyson during their bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.
Evander Holyfield knocks down Mike Tyson during their bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.

Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.
Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.

Mike Tyson blocks Evander Holyfield's punches during their bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.
Mike Tyson blocks Evander Holyfield’s punches during their bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.

Evander Holyfield throws a punch to Mike Tyson during their bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.
Evander Holyfield throws a punch to Mike Tyson during their bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.

Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield fight during their bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.
Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield fight during their bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.

Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield fight during their bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.
Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield fight during their bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.

Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield battle during their WBA Heavyweight Championship bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.
Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield battle during their WBA Heavyweight Championship bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.

Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield battle during their WBA Heavyweight Championship bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.
Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield battle during their WBA Heavyweight Championship bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.

Mike Tyson gets up after being knocked down by Evander Holyfield in the sixth round during their WBA Heavyweight Championship bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.
Mike Tyson gets up after being knocked down by Evander Holyfield in the sixth round during their WBA Heavyweight Championship bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.

Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield battle during their WBA Heavyweight Championship bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.
Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield battle during their WBA Heavyweight Championship bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.

Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield mix it up during their bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.
Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield mix it up during their bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.

Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield battle during their WBA Heavyweight Championship bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.
Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield battle during their WBA Heavyweight Championship bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.

Mike Tyson stands in the ring during his bout with Evander Holyfield at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.
Mike Tyson stands in the ring during his bout with Evander Holyfield at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.

Evander Holyfield, left, lands a punch to the head of WBA heavyweight champion Mike Tyson as Tyson steps in during early action in their championship fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.
Evander Holyfield, left, lands a punch to the head of WBA heavyweight champion Mike Tyson as Tyson steps in during early action in their championship fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.

Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield battle during their WBA Heavyweight Championship bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.
Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield battle during their WBA Heavyweight Championship bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.

Referee Mitch Halpern moves in the stop the fight between Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield in the eleventh round of their WBA Heavyweight Championship bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.
Referee Mitch Halpern moves in the stop the fight between Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield in the eleventh round of their WBA Heavyweight Championship bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.

Referee Mitch Halpern steps in to stop the fight between Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield in the eleventh round of their WBA Heavyweight Championship bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.
Referee Mitch Halpern steps in to stop the fight between Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield in the eleventh round of their WBA Heavyweight Championship bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.

Evander Holyfield steps back after knocking down Mike Tyson before winning by TKO in the 11th round at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.
Evander Holyfield steps back after knocking down Mike Tyson before winning by TKO in the 11th round at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.

Mike Tyson hits the canvas at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.
Mike Tyson hits the canvas at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.

Mike Tyson is on his knees after being knocked down by Evander Holyfield during their bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.
Mike Tyson is on his knees after being knocked down by Evander Holyfield during their bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.

Mike Tyson is knocked down by Evander Holyfield before losing by TKO in the 11th round at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.
Mike Tyson is knocked down by Evander Holyfield before losing by TKO in the 11th round at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.

Referee Mitch Halpern counts out Mike Tyson during his title loss to Evander Holyfield at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.
Referee Mitch Halpern counts out Mike Tyson during his title loss to Evander Holyfield at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.

Mike Tyson covers his eyes as Evander Holyfield goes to his corner after Referee Mitch Halpern stopped the fight in the eleventh round of their WBA Heavyweight Championship bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.
Mike Tyson covers his eyes as Evander Holyfield goes to his corner after Referee Mitch Halpern stopped the fight in the eleventh round of their WBA Heavyweight Championship bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.

Referee Mitch Halpern calls the fight in the eleventh round at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas. Evander Holyfield, right, walked away with Mike Tyson's WBA heavyweight championship title after a TKO.
Referee Mitch Halpern calls the fight in the eleventh round at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas. Evander Holyfield, right, walked away with Mike Tyson’s WBA heavyweight championship title after a TKO.

Mike Tyson is held by the referee as Evander Holyfield takes a victorious walk around the ring for knocking Tyson down at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas. Holyfield won by TKO in the 11th round.
Mike Tyson is held by the referee as Evander Holyfield takes a victorious walk around the ring for knocking Tyson down at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas. Holyfield won by TKO in the 11th round.

Referee Mitch Halpern holds onto Mike Tyson as he stops the fight against Evander Holyfield in the eleventh round of their WBA Heavyweight Championship bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.
Referee Mitch Halpern holds onto Mike Tyson as he stops the fight against Evander Holyfield in the eleventh round of their WBA Heavyweight Championship bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.

Newly crowned WBA heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield throws up his arm in victory after defeating Mike Tyson by TKO in the eleventh round at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.
Newly crowned WBA heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield throws up his arm in victory after defeating Mike Tyson by TKO in the eleventh round at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.

Evander Holyfield celebrates after defeating Mike Tyson by a technical knockout in the 11th round at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.
Evander Holyfield celebrates after defeating Mike Tyson by a technical knockout in the 11th round at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.

Evander Holyfield celebrates after his fight against Mike Tyson at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.
Evander Holyfield celebrates after his fight against Mike Tyson at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.

Evander Holyfield raises his arm victoriously after defeating Mike Tyson by TKO in the 11th round at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.
Evander Holyfield raises his arm victoriously after defeating Mike Tyson by TKO in the 11th round at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.

Evander Holyfield raises his fist after defeating Mike Tyson in their WBA Heavyweight Championship bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.
Evander Holyfield raises his fist after defeating Mike Tyson in their WBA Heavyweight Championship bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.

Former WBA heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, with his face cut and bruised, sits quietly in a news conference following his defeat by Evander Holyfield at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas. Holyfield won the fight with a TKO in the eleventh round.
Former WBA heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, with his face cut and bruised, sits quietly in a news conference following his defeat by Evander Holyfield at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas. Holyfield won the fight with a TKO in the eleventh round.

World Boxing Association champion Evander Holyfield is congratulated by President of the WBA Gil Berto Mendoza after he presented him with his championship belt during the Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks game on Dec. 20, 1996, in Philadelphia. Holyfield was named champion after his defeat of Mike Tyson in November.
World Boxing Association champion Evander Holyfield is congratulated by President of the WBA Gil Berto Mendoza after he presented him with his championship belt during the Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks game on Dec. 20, 1996, in Philadelphia. Holyfield was named champion after his defeat of Mike Tyson in November.

Mike Tyson appears at a news conference to promote his heavyweight title rematch against WBA heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield, on Feb. 3, 1997, in New York. The fight is scheduled to take place on May 3 in the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, which was later postponed until June 28 due to a cut over Tyson's left eye that occurred while butting heads with a sparring partner during training. Holyfield beat Tyson in an 11 round decision on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.
Mike Tyson appears at a news conference to promote his heavyweight title rematch against WBA heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield, on Feb. 3, 1997, in New York. The fight is scheduled to take place on May 3 in the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, which was later postponed until June 28 due to a cut over Tyson’s left eye that occurred while butting heads with a sparring partner during training. Holyfield beat Tyson in an 11 round decision on Nov. 9, 1996, in Las Vegas.
VIDEO: Mike Tyson (USA) vs Evander Holyfield (USA)