37 years ago

Date: 30th May 1987

Title: WBC & WBA World Heavyweight Titles

Promoter: Don King Productions

Referee: Carlos Padilla

Tv: HBO Sports

Mike Tyson
( 29 - 0 - 0 )
Weight: 218¾ lbs

Pinklon Thomas
( 29 - 1 - 1 )
Weight: 217¾ lbs

On May 30, 1987, in the Las Vegas Hilton’s Outdoor Arena, Mike Tyson faced former WBC heavyweight champion Pinklon Thomas in a title defence that was part of HBO’s heavyweight unification series. Tyson, just 20 years old and already the WBC and WBA heavyweight champion, entered the bout with a perfect record of 29-0 and a reputation as the most devastating young puncher in the sport. Thomas, at 29-1-1, was ranked No. 1 by the WBC and hoped to reclaim his place among the division’s elite.

The opening round saw Tyson unleash his signature aggression. He landed a series of heavy blows early, bloodying Thomas and setting the tone for what appeared to be a short night. Thomas, however, weathered the storm, employing a jab-and-clinch strategy that slowed Tyson’s momentum. Like Tyson’s previous opponent, James “Bonecrusher” Smith, Thomas sought to neutralize Tyson’s offence by smothering him in close quarters. The tactic drew boos from the crowd of 12,706, who had anticipated a more action-packed affair.

Between rounds, Tyson’s trainer, Kevin Rooney, urged him to box more effectively, but Tyson appeared frustrated by the frequent clinches and awkward exchanges. Despite Thomas’s efforts, Tyson’s explosive power remained a constant threat. In the sixth round, Tyson found his opportunity. A thunderous right hook to the body, followed by a right uppercut to the chin, visibly stunned Thomas. Tyson then unleashed a devastating left hook to the head, sending Thomas crashing to the canvas.

Referee Carlos Padilla began the count, but it was clear Thomas was in no condition to continue. His trainer, Angelo Dundee, entered the ring to signal the fight’s end just as Padilla reached the count of nine. The official stoppage came at exactly 2:00 of the sixth round, marking Tyson’s 30th consecutive victory and 27th knockout. Post-fight, Tyson remarked, “I knew it wasn’t going to last. He didn’t have anything for me.”

Thomas, whose record fell to 29-2-1, reflected on his strategy and the unexpected turn of events. “My strategy, which I thought was working, was to touch him in the body, keep touching him inside,” he said. “What really blew my mind was the glove split. I thought I had a roll going.” The glove in question had been replaced earlier in the fight when the thumb began to detach.

The victory set Tyson up for a showdown with Tony Tucker, who had captured the vacant IBF title earlier that evening by stopping James “Buster” Douglas. The unification bout, scheduled for August 1, 1987, promised to crown the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Leon Spinks defeated Muhammad Ali in 1978.

For Tyson, the fight against Thomas highlighted his destructive power and the potential vulnerabilities in his style. As noted by analysts, Tyson struggled to adapt against opponents who relied on clinching and defensive tactics. Nevertheless, his finishing sequence against Thomas was a reminder of his extraordinary ability to turn a fight around in an instant.