Mike Tyson in unlicensed fights?

KOJOE90 · Post by **KOJOE90** » 19 Jan 2005, 07:20

I have read many times over the years that as an Amatuer future Heavyweight Champion Mike Tyson had many unlicensed fighters which I believe are called 'smokers' in the USA.

I have read Tyson went undefeated in 12 of these fights before he had his first recorded amatuer fight. I understand he was about 12/14 when he had his first 'smoker'.

Does anyone have anymore information on these fights?

Also does anyone also have any information or stories on any other well known fighter taking part in 'smokers'.

Many thanks.

KOJOE90 · Post by **KOJOE90** » 10 Aug 2005, 14:47

Bump.

BoxBuzz · Post by **BoxBuzz** » 10 Aug 2005, 16:13

I dunno nuttin bout dat......but I figured Id' post anyway trying to get my numbers up ya know.

silkov · Post by **silkov** » 10 Aug 2005, 16:36

I think Greg Haugen took part in simular 'toughman' fights against all comers of anyweight. Henry Armstrong took part in a lot of 'smokers' I belive.

KOJOE90 · Post by **KOJOE90** » 11 Aug 2005, 12:46

silkov wrote:I think Greg Haugen took part in simular 'toughman' fights against all comers of anyweight.

So did Tommy Morrison and Butterbean of course.

Also Ron Stander fought an unlicenced fight in the UK in the late 1970's and got stopped in two rounds by the UK's unlicenced fighter Roy Shaw. Don't know if he had any in the USA?

I also heard (and always suspected) That Leon Spinks took part in many unregulated fights in the 90's.

Nigel Benn also had one unlicenced fight before turning Professional and won by KO.

Former British Heavyweight Champion Julius Francis whilst still an amatuer took part in an unlicenced fight and got banned from the ABA's for doing so.

Former 70's British Heavyweight contender Cliff Fields took part in a number of unlicensed fights after he had 'retired'. Including two KO wins over 'the unbeatable' street fighter Lenny McClean.

Former World Lightweight Champion Ken Buchanan also fought on unlicenced cards at the end of his glorious career.

There was allways lots of talk of former 70's UK Heavyweights Paul Sykes and Dave Pearce fighting unlicensed (not against each other) but I don't know if they ever did.

Former Professional fighter and apparently long time Henry Cooper sparring partner Brian Hall took part in countless unlicensed and bareknuckle fights with much more sucsess than he did in the 'legit' ring, or so I heard.

Any more anyone????