Mike Tyson's street fight against a former boxer and gang leader

On August 23, 1988, after a chance meeting in a clothing store in northern Manhattan, New York City, two of boxing's most recognizable figures engaged in a street fight.

Although the altercation began verbally, as the minutes passed, the athletes began exchanging blows, which were marked by "unusual force" on the part of Mitch Green.

Despite this, his differences with Mike Tyson began two years ago when, in a boxing ring at Madison Square Garden, the two fought for about ten rounds until the fight judges unanimously chose the winner.

Months later, 'Iron Mike' became the youngest heavyweight champion in history , a title that increased tension between him and his old rival, who was also known for being a gang leader.

According to Tyson's statements in several interviews, on the day of the fight he was at the clothing store picking up a personalized garment when his opponent appeared.

According to the boxer, the man entered the establishment shirtless and tried to insult him to make him lose his temper. Minutes later, the situation spiraled out of control, so the athlete recommended that Green let him leave the establishment.

However, the man's attitude grew increasingly hostile, which angered Iron Mike, who punched his opponent in the face with his right hand, opening the possibility of a physical conflict.

Although the man took a few steps back from the force of the contact, he did not give up and showed a particular resistance, which Tyson has described as "unusual" on several occasions , referring to the consumption of illegal substances.

For several minutes the boxers exchanged punches, but 'Iron Mike' realized that his opponent would not go down easily, so he decided to end the fight with a roundhouse kick.

After knocking down Green, Tyson was forced to postpone his world title defense due to a fractured hand that temporarily prevented him from performing his normal activities.

DIGITAL REACH EDITORIAL