Mike Tyson vs. Frank Bruno I Revisited

On Saturday, February 25, 1989, 22-year-old Mike Tyson clashed with Frank Bruno at Las Vegas Hilton, Winchester, Nevada, U.S. “Iron Mike” had not fought for eight months since his one-round destruction of Michael Spinks. It didn’t last nearly as long as fans hoped as Tyson dominated throughout—a memorable classic Mike Tyson knockout. We love our nostalgia at Big Fight Weekend and want to take you back to that Saturday night in 1989 for Mike Tyson vs. Frank Bruno.

Mike Tyson vs. Frank Bruno I Nostalgia

Mike Tyson vs. Frank Bruno – 1989

Tyson was at his most brutally efficient, destroying Bruno at 2 minutes 55 seconds of the fifth round, retaining his WBA, WBC, IBF, and The Ring heavyweight titles.

From the opening bell, “Iron Mike” was pressuring his British opponent with eye-catching uppercuts and hooks. Tyson knocked Bruno down in the first round, with the Brit taking an eight count. The American never let up, as he kept attacking the “True Brit.” The London-born fighter had a fleeting moment when he hit “Iron Mike” with two big right hands. 

Read More: The Top 10 Mike Tyson Quotes Explained

“The Baddest Man on the Planet” was experiencing turmoil in his personal life, such as his street fight with Mitch Green, which led to this fight – being delayed on numerous occasions. Despite the turmoil, “Iron Mike” let it all go in the ring, as he landed big punch after big punch, backing Bruno up, who occasionally fired back. During the fifth round, Tyson landed a series of heavy, spiteful shots, which led to the Brit bleeding heavily from his nose. Referee Richard Steele eventually stopped the bout, saving Bruno from further punishment. 

After Bruno

Following the win against Bruno, Tyson knocked out Carl Williams in the first round. After the one-round destruction of Williams, “Iron Mike” was involved in the most shocking heavyweight upset of all time, as he lost to Buster Douglas.

Read More: Mike Tyson vs. Jesse Ferguson: The First Man to Take ‘Iron Mike’ Passed Five Rounds

Throughout his professional career, Tyson was involved in many iconic fights, breaking a plethora of records. Despite the defeats to Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis and the disappointing end-of-career losses to Danny Williams and Kevin McBride  – Tyson’s place in boxing folklore as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time is guaranteed.

In 2021 a documentary looking back at Frank Bruno v Tyson was released and “Iron Mike” spoke on the power of Bruno and said: “He came back with a couple of shots. He was fighting good. As a matter of fact, he staggered me with a good shot in the first round.”

“It was like electricity. I saw white lights.”