Revisiting the Fight Mike Tyson Described as ‘My Worst Performance Ever’

It has been confirmed by Netflix and all involved that Mike Tyson will fight Jake Paul on July 20 at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. “Iron Mike” during the 1980‘s demolished his way through the heavyweight division, and this continued on March 10, 1986, when Tyson defeated Steve Zouski by third-round KO. Despite the win, after the fight, Tyson described the fight as “my worst performance ever.” Big Fight Weekend wanted to take you back to the night he moved to 19-0 with a 100% KO ratio.

Revisiting Mike Tyson vs. Steve Zouski

Another KO Win for Mike Tyson

“Iron Mike” went to the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in New York with the intention of making his stay as brief as possible. The big-punching 19-year-old had destroyed his first 18 opponents, with only Jesse Ferguson taking “Iron Mike” past five rounds. 

There was never much doubt that “The Baddest Man on the Planet” would get the job done, and he did in the third round with a thudding left hook. “Iron Mike” was unimpressed with his display, despite the KO win: ”It was my worst performance ever. ”Mentally, I wasn’t prepared. He was a very game fighter, but if he was more of a mover, I would have fought better.”

Read More: Mike Tyson vs. Frank Bruno I Revisited

Zouski entered the ring not looking in the best shape, which could have contributed to the lacklustre start from Tyson. He looked to work the body of Zouski but didn’t step up his output until round two – when he threw a combination staggering his opponent. He was on top but the pace was pedestrian for him, and it began to resemble a sparring session

Knockout

During the third round, “Iron Mike” finally got his man landing two big left hooks and a beautifully timed uppercut – stunning Zouski before landing the hard left hook that ended the bout in style. 

Read More: Counting Down The Top 10 ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson Fights

Tyson spoke after the fight about the difficulties he was going through in his personal life – but this did not stop him from moving to 19-0 in just over one year as a pro, with a 100% KO ratio. Despite being only 19, “Iron Mike” seemed fully aware fights would get more challenging: ”Guys aren’t going down in one round like they used to,” he said. ”Tonight I wasn’t using my jab enough and not throwing enough punches.’

Check out our look at the top ten Mike Tyson quotes.