In what was billed as the Fight of the Year, Mike Tyson and Donovan “Razor” Ruddock stepped into the ring as the top two heavyweight contenders in the world, battling for a shot at Evander Holyfield’s crown. By the end of the night, the boxing world had witnessed not just a bruising war, but a controversial stoppage that nearly ignited a riot in the desert.

Coming off back-to-back first-round knockouts, Tyson was out to prove that he was still the most dangerous man in the division after his shocking loss to Buster Douglas the year before. Ruddock, who had built a fearsome resume of his own with wins over former champions and a lethal left hook dubbed “The Smash,” wasn’t planning on folding to Tyson’s pressure.

The early rounds were filled with fireworks. In round two, Tyson scored a knockdown that sparked outrage—Ruddock, tangled with Tyson’s leg after a glancing hook, hit the canvas in what many viewed as a slip. Moments later, Tyson landed a late punch during a break in action, but referee Richard Steele let it slide. Tensions were already building.

In round three, Tyson dropped Ruddock again—this time with a vicious left hook. Razor beat the count, but the message was clear: Tyson wasn’t going to let this fight go the distance without a war.

By round seven, the action reached its boiling point. Tyson unleashed a blistering six-punch combination, rocking Ruddock back. Though still standing and not visibly out of the fight, Steele jumped in and called a halt at 2:22 of the round. The stunned crowd erupted in protest, with Ruddock’s corner incensed and fans raining boos on the decision.

With the TKO win, Tyson improved to 39–1, and secured his position as the mandatory challenger to Holyfield’s heavyweight throne. But the cloud of controversy hanging over the finish meant the fight was far from settled—and a rematch was soon signed to answer the critics.