Mitch Green vs Mike Tyson
When people talk about Mitch “Blood” Green, two fights always come up—his official boxing match with Mike Tyson in 1986, and their infamous street brawl in 1988. Together, they created one of the most colorful rivalries in heavyweight boxing history.
The Official Fight: Tyson vs. Green (1986)
On May 20, 1986, a young, undefeated Mike Tyson entered Madison Square Garden to face Mitch Green. At the time, Tyson was steamrolling opponents with early knockouts, but Green wasn’t intimidated.
- The Fight: Green absorbed Tyson’s best shots and refused to go down. While Tyson clearly controlled the action, Green’s toughness was on full display.
- The Result: After 10 rounds, Tyson won a unanimous decision—one of the rare times his opponent lasted the distance in his prime.
- The Legacy: Though Tyson won convincingly, Green earned respect for surviving the onslaught and showing resilience.
The Street Fight: Harlem 1988
Two years later, Tyson and Green made headlines again—but this time outside the ring.
- The Setting: The two men ran into each other at Dapper Dan’s, a famous Harlem clothing store.
- The Clash: A heated argument escalated into a full-on brawl in the streets. Witnesses recall Tyson landing a massive punch that left Green’s eye swollen shut.
- The Aftermath: Green later sued Tyson, and the street fight became as infamous as their actual boxing match.
Why It Matters
The Tyson-Green saga remains one of boxing’s most memorable rivalries—not for titles or belts, but for the drama inside and outside the ring. Their encounters showcased two distinct aspects of heavyweight boxing: the official spectacle under the lights, and the raw, unscripted street fight that captured headlines.
Final Word
Mitch Green may not have beaten Mike Tyson, but he carved out a unique place in boxing lore. Surviving 10 rounds with Tyson in 1986 and brawling with him in Harlem in 1988 made Green a legend in his own right—one remembered as much for his toughness as for his larger-than-life personality.