Mike Tyson had terrified opponent beat before pulverizing him with a bone-chilling first-round finish

Mike Tyson had defeated most of his opponents before entering the ring, sending shivers down their spines with his menacing aura.

The prolific knockout artist was in many ways more than just a heavyweight boxer. His devastating power and intimidating presence made him one of the most fearsome players in martial arts history.

In reality, the 58-year-old gearing up for his controversial showdown with YouTube star Jake Paul is a far cry from the murderous puncher who paraded through the land of the giants decades ago.

And so it's worth taking a look back at one of Mike Tyson's most brutal performances so we can at least get an idea of ​​how 'Iron Mike' got his infamous reputation.

Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images for Netflix

Mike Tyson's destructive first-round demolition over Michael Spinks

Tyson became the youngest world heavyweight champion in history after dispatching Trevor Berbick to the WBC belt at the age of 20.

However, the Brooklyn-born powerhouse was no ordinary 20-year-old, as he had already developed his manly strength to such an extent that he was constantly knocking out the top contenders in sparring.

And yet Tyson was more than just a ball of mass, programmed to destroy anyone placed in front of him.

After years of developing his peek-a-boo style under the tutelage of legendary boxing trainer Cus D'Amato, he soon began showcasing his dynamic footwork in the ring, always creating angles to deliver his pounding blows.

Before long, Tyson had become a global megastar, with even non-boxing fans tuning in for demonstrations against the likes of great heavyweight Larry Holmes.

But then, in his fight against former light heavyweight king and Olympic gold medalist Michael Spinks, the intrigue surrounding Tyson's career rose to astronomical levels.

Spinks entered their fight in 1988 with an undefeated record, racking up four wins at heavyweight after his decorated reign at 175 lbs.

Yet nothing could have prepared him for a confrontation with one of the most fearsome punchers of all time.

Before the opening bell, Spinks was visibly terrified by a shirtless Tyson, who entered the ring to the sinister sounds of something that could in no way be described as music.

And so, as the two heavyweights went head-to-head, Spinks was immediately overwhelmed by Tyson's explosive flurries, unable to dodge the barrage of haymakers coming his way.

Then, after his brutal attack, the heavyweight champion's killer instincts kicked in and it was indeed a brutal right uppercut that ended proceedings in emphatic fashion.

How will Mike Tyson's legacy impact his fight with Jake Paul?

Several combat sports enthusiasts have expressed deep concerns about Tyson's health as he heads into his rescheduled bout with Paul on November 15.

Of course, the American still has the look of an athlete, showing off his ripped and muscular physique on social media.

However, many will remember his crushing defeat to Kevin McBride almost two decades ago, when Tyson looked a shadow of his former self in his final professional appearance.

But regardless of his bizarre encounter with Paul, Tyson will always be remembered as one of the most fearsome heavyweights of his era.

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