As I sat in my $600 seat about halfway up the MGM Grand Arena, I was blown away at how big Evander looked when he took his robe off. His shoulders and chest were massive, and it was the best he ever looked at 215 pounds. Tyson was solid too at 222 lbs., as I sat nervously awaiting the bell for round one to ring.
Tyson was aggressive right from the start, and landed a right on Holyfield’s head. Evander was calm however, countered Tyson throughout the round, and did it effectively. He obviously wasn’t afraid, and anyone who expected a one round knockout were proven wrong.
The action was pretty even through round five, but Evander was surprising many with his strategy of meeting Tyson head up, and pushing him back. He didn’t run at all, was landing consistent had punches. A solid left hook to Tyson’s chest put him on the canvas in round six, and the area exploded in shock. I was not one of them however, because I knew Evander was at his best, and in my opinion the better overall fighter.
Both men landed decent shots over the next 3 rounds, but Holyfield was stronger, and getting more aggressive. Late in round ten, Evander rocked Tyson, and landed an avalanche of hard shots, with only the bell saving Mike from being stopped.
As soon as round eleven began, Evander jumped right back on Mike and landed another volley of punches, forcing referee Mitch Halpern to call the fight. I left in joy, full of excitement that Holyfield had pulled off the upset, and that my premonition had come true. I was on cloud nine as I left the arena, and it remains to this day the greatest sporting event I have ever seen live in my lifetime.
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