5 underrated Mike Tyson fights

#2. Mike Tyson vs. Tony Tucker

In 2014 Mike Tyson called Tony Tucker the best boxer he ever faced. They fought in Las Vegas in 1987 for the WBA, WBC, and IBF Titles. Though Tyson won by unanimous decision, it was a close fight. Tucker became the fourth man in Tyson's 31 bouts to last the distance.

Tucker came out of the corner with aggression and won the first round, pumping Tyson at a distance. With a well-placed and strong jab, the taller man managed to control large portions of the fight. Yet, Tyson landed the most punishing and effective punches throughout the contest. With his points win, Tyson ended an eight-year streak for Tucker, who had been undefeated since 1979.

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#1 Mike Tyson vs. Jose Ribalta

Cuba's Jose Ribalta made his professional debut in 1982. He served as a sparring partner for the likes of Trevor Berbick and Gerry Cooney. Though not the most well-known boxer of his era, Ribalta fought some of the best heavyweights of the that time, including Larry Holmes, Vitali Klitschko, Razer Ruddock, and Tony Tubbs.

Tyson called Ribalta one of the best boxers he ever faced. In an interview with The Ring, 'Iron Mike' said that Ribalta was the strongest man he stood in the ring with and had the hardest chin:

"I hit Jose Ribalta with everything, and he took everything and kept coming back for more."

Tyson met Ribalta in August 1986. The bout was a toe-to-toe scrap with three knockdowns. Tyson hit Ribalta 220 times, but the Cuban boxer fought back before the referee stopped the contest in round 10.