35 years ago

Date: 7th March 1987

Venue: Las Vegas Hilton, Outdoor Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Title: WBC & WBA World Heavyweight Titles

Promoter: Don King Productions

Tv: HBO

Mike Tyson
( 28 - 0 - 0 )
Weight: 219 lbs

James Smith
( 19 - 5 - 0 )
Weight: 233 lbs

Tyson, the WBC champion, and Smith the WBA's belt holder met before a crowd of 13,851 at The Las Vegas Hilton, Outdoor Arena in Las Vegas. This bout was part of the HBO heavyweight unification series that eventually led to a unified titleholder.

Sadly, Smith turned the match into a wrestling contest which left the crowd booing at the lack of real action and referee Mills Lane with no choice but to take points away from Smith in the 2nd and 8th rounds for excessive holding.

Tyson became WBC and WBA world heavyweight champion after winning by unanimous decision.

Scores: Jose Juan Guerra 119-107 | Dalby Shirley 119-107 | Lou Tabat 120-106.

This was the first bout in which Tyson was announced as "Iron" Mike Tyson.