36 Years Ago Buster Douglas Stopped the “Baddest Man on the Planet”

It has been 36 years since the morning the sporting world stood still.

On February 11, 1990, at the Tokyo Dome in Japan, James “Buster” Douglas starred in what is still considered the greatest upset in boxing history: the shocking knockout of the then-undefeated and feared Mike Tyson.

That fight was presented as a mere formality for “Iron Mike,” who held a record of 37-0 with 33 knockouts and was planning a mega-fight against Evander Holyfield. Las Vegas sportsbooks reflected absolute cast iron confidence in the champion, placing him as a 42-to-1 favorite. However, history had other plans.

Douglas did not just step into the ring against the most intimidating boxer of the era; he did so, while carrying the grief and heartache of having lost his mother, Lula Pearl, just three weeks prior. She was the only one who insisted her son would defeat Tyson. “My mother did believe in me,” declared James, whose spiritual motivation was the engine that drove his victory.

During the bout, Douglas used an impeccable long, ramrod left jab to keep the champion at bay. Despite hitting the canvas in the eighth round, the challenger showed unbreakable resilience. In the tenth round, history was written: a powerful uppercut followed by a combination of three rapid blows sent Tyson to the floor for the first time in his career.

Although Douglas would lose the belt months later to Evander Holyfield, his victory in Tokyo remains etched as the ultimate example that, in boxing, faith and inspiration can move mountains. His triumph not only guaranteed him a comfortable life but also a permanent place among the greats of the sport.

Thirty-six years later, Buster Douglas’s feat remains a reminder that, in the ring, there is no small enemy when you fight with your heart and soul.