In the world of sports and martial arts, the story of Mike Tyson is legendary. Known for his ferocious energy and relentless fighting style, Tyson’s matches often seemed like he wanted to “devour” his opponents. But one man stood his ground against the seemingly unstoppable force of Tyson.

Mike Tyson, a boxing phenomenon who dominated the sport in the 1980s and 1990s, turned professional in 1985. His debut match against Hector Mercedes ended swiftly, with Mercedes hitting the canvas in the first two minutes of the opening round, thanks to Tyson’s formidable power.

In 1986, Tyson faced James Tillis (left), but despite unleashing a flurry of punches, he couldn’t knock Tillis out (right).

Riding high on a wave of 18 consecutive knockout victories, Tyson had become a name that sent shivers down the spines of many contenders. Enter James Tillis, the American “Cowboy,” who decided to take on the challenge. Despite losing his last three fights, Tillis agreed to face the “Iron” Mike Tyson.

Expectations were low for Tillis, who was seen merely as another stepping stone for Tyson. Entering the ring with confidence, Tyson initially did not push himself to the limit, allowing Tillis some breathing room. But as the rounds progressed, it became clear that Tillis was not going down easily.

After two rounds, then three, and eventually four, Tyson found himself unable to land the decisive blow. As the match wore on, the veteran fighter, now 63 years old, showcased his experience, calmly dodging Tyson’s relentless attacks and countering effectively. The full ten rounds elapsed without a knockout, a first for Tyson. The decision came down to the judges’ scores.

For the first time, Tyson faced the anxious wait for a decision. His relief was palpable when the judges awarded him the victory with scores of 6-4, 6-4, and 8-2. Although he retained his winning streak, the extended match had a noticeable impact on his psyche. In his next fight, Tyson again won by decision, this time against Mitch Green.

James “The Cowboy” Tillis retired in 2001, capping a career with 65 fights (44 wins, 22 losses, and 1 draw). Despite several attempts, he never secured a title. While he achieved many victories, his most memorable bout remains the one where he went the distance with Tyson, proving that even the most formidable opponents can be challenged.