One of the most feared and dominant figures in boxing history, Mike Tyson has had his share of wins and losses, but one fight stands out as a moment that left him shaken to the core. The opponent in question? Undefeated giant Buster Douglas, whose shocking victory over Tyson in 1990 is often regarded as one of the biggest upsets in boxing history.

Tyson, at the peak of his career, was considered unbeatable. With a 37-0 record and a reputation for devastating knockouts, the “Baddest Man on the Planet” seemed unstoppable. But on February 11, 1990, in Tokyo, Japan, Tyson met his match in Buster Douglas, an underdog who was largely ignored by boxing analysts and fans.

The fight started as expected, with Tyson coming out strong, using his trademark aggression and power to push Douglas back. But as the rounds progressed, it became clear that Douglas was not intimidated by Tyson’s fearsome reputation. The 1.93m and 119kg Douglas was able to absorb Tyson’s punches while maintaining a calm and calculated demeanor – something few opponents had been able to do.

The turning point came in the eighth round, when Tyson, known for wearing down his opponents with brutal force, was knocked down for the first time in his career. Douglas, whose preparation for the fight was often criticized, had found a way to neutralize Tyson’s attack. When Tyson got to his feet, he appeared nervous and out of sync, something that had never happened to him before.

In the tenth round, it was all over. Douglas landed a crushing uppercut that sent Tyson to the canvas, and the fight was stopped shortly after, securing Douglas the knockout victory. The result was a seismic shock to the boxing world, and left Tyson defeated and visibly shaken. The loss marked a turning point in Tyson’s career, one from which he would never fully recover.

Tyson admitted in later interviews that the fight against Douglas left him questioning himself. The loss, combined with his own personal problems outside the ring, led to Tyson taking a break from boxing. Many believe that this loss was the moment when Tyson, who once seemed like an invincible force, began to lose his fearsome edge.

Douglas, who had been the ultimate underdog, had not only claimed the heavyweight championship, but had also handed Tyson the first defeat of his career. The aftermath of that fight left Tyson scarred both physically and mentally, and he admitted that the terror he felt during the fight was something he had never experienced before.

Today, the Mike Tyson-Buster Douglas fight remains one of the most iconic and terrifying in boxing history. It serves as a reminder that even the greatest champions can fall, and that fear and doubt are as much a part of the sport as strength and power. Tyson’s reflection on that fight, and his admitted fear, shows just how much of a psychological battle boxing is.