Mike Tyson vs. José Ribalta: The Fight Where Tyson Met His Toughest Opponent

8.17.1986 — Mike Tyson vs. José Ribalta The Cuban-born Ribalta, who fled to the U.S. as a child and grew up in Little Havana, ate everything Iron Mike had to offer and survived three knockdowns until referee Rudy Battle finally stopped it by TKO in the 10th round. Mad heart. Three months later, Tyson blitzed Trevor Berbick in the 2nd round to become the youngest heavyweight champion in history. Ribalta fought on until 1999, then came home and worked security for Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Tyson still calls him his toughest opponent — not Holyfield, not Lewis, not Ruddock. Said Ribalta "took everything and kept coming for more."