Boxing fans have been quick to pick up similarities between Mike Tyson and Daniel Dubois, although the heavyweights are from different eras. Even then, the two have one common denominator – both are scary knockout artists.
Dubois, an emerging British prospect, is still in the early years of his career and has a long path ahead of him. Meanwhile, it’s been more than 15 years since Tyson hung up his gloves professionally. Now 55, Tyson perhaps looks at Dubois and reminisces about his youth.
Watch Mike Tyson's knockouts below:
When Tyson was Dubois' age, he was still feared in the boxing community. 'Dynamite' has a reputation as an explosive puncher, but it's nowhere close to what ‘Iron Mike’ brought into the ring. Here’s a comparison between Mike Tyson and Daniel Dubois at the age of 24.
Mike Tyson and Daniel Dubois – Professional records at 24
The sport of boxing has gone through many transitions over the years. One such change is a fighter’s activity. In his debut year, Tyson fought 15 times. In less than two years of his first professional bout, he was already a world champion.
‘Iron Mike’ professionally debuted at the age of 18, while 'Dynamite’ began his career at 19. However, Tyson had over 40 professional fights before he turned 25, while Dubois currently has 18. Irrespective of this vast difference in experience, there are similarities between the two boxers.
Dubois has a solitary defeat on his record, just like Mike Tyson had when he was 24. Both fighters lost via stoppage. That said, Tyson's record stood at 41-1 before turning 25, while Dubois' is now at 17-1. The Brit's only defeat came against Joe Joyce in 2020.
Who is the bigger knockout artist?
Dubois’ rapid surge in the heavyweight division has some comparing him to a young Mike Tyson. ‘Iron Mike’ will always remain one of the most feared men in the sport’s history. Even though Dubois’ run is well appreciated, it pales in comparison to what Tyson achieved in his early years.
However, ‘Dynamite’ has proven to be a heavy hitter. Earning 16 of his 17 wins via knockout, he has a career stoppage ratio of 88.89%.
Watch Dubois' knockout power below:
Tyson, before he turned 25, had 36 knockouts in 42 fights, giving him a stoppage ratio of 85.71%. We can't read too much into Dubois' slightly higher knockout ratio, as 'Iron Mike' had more than twice the number of fights at the same age.
The one major difference between the two heavyweights is their physical appearance. Tyson is 5’10”, while Dubois stands at 6’5”. Like Tyson, the Brit is an orthodox fighter with a potent right hand.
Watch Tyson demonstrate his signature peek-a-boo style:
Tyson was considered a small heavyweight but he didn't let the lack of size affect him. The Brooklyn native vanquished taller opponents throughout his career. His achievements at 24 and the quality of his opposition makes 'Iron Mike' a greater knockout artist than Dubois, at least for now.
Mike Tyson and Daniel Dubois – Titles
Dubois has held several boxing belts, including the WBO International Heavyweight Title, WBA Interim Heavyweight Title, British Heavyweight Title, and WBO Global Heavyweight Title. He will face Trevor Bryan for the WBA (Regular) Heavyweight Title this weekend.
Mike Tyson didn’t fight for titles during his debut year. However, he climbed the ladder quickly before beating Trevor Berbick for the WBC Heavyweight Title in 1986. Tyson won the gold at the age of 20 and is still the youngest heavyweight boxer to have achieved the feat.
The following year, he added the WBA and IBF Titles to become the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the world. 'Iron Mike' held the titles until 1990 when James 'Buster' Douglas knocked him out in one of the biggest upsets in boxing history.