Boxing icon Mike Tyson once revealed the exact moment he went numb after being punched by one of his former heavyweight rivals.
‘Iron Mike’ had an exceptional professional career of his own which culminated in him being described as one of the most feared heavyweights to have ever graced the sport.
He wrote his name into boxing folklore back in November of 1986 when he knocked out WBC champion Trevor Berbick in the second round of their bout to become the youngest heavyweight champion in history, a record that still stands to this day.
Tyson later became the undisputed heavyweight champion with wins over IBF champion Tony Tucker and WBA champion James Smith, a feat he achieved just days after his 21st birthday.
In a resurfaced interview with CNN, Tyson reflected on his storied professional career as he claims he went ‘numb’ after being hit by former rival Donovan ‘Razor’ Ruddock.
“Yes, Ray Ruddock … You’re talking about when you were like whoa. When you get hit, it doesn’t hurt anymore. It’s just numb. You just hear the bell ringing — bong.”
Tyson clashed with Ruddock on two occasions back in 1991, getting the better of the hard-hitting Canadian champion on both occasions.
Ruddock produced 30 knockout victories during his career and is known for his bouts with a number of heavyweight greats, including former WBO champion Tommy Morrison and former undisputed heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis.
After initially retiring in 2001, he returned for three fights in 2015, with his final record reading 40 wins from 47 professional fights.
