Atlantic City, June 27, 1988 — In a showdown that promised clarity and delivered a thunderous final word, Mike Tyson demolished Michael Spinks in a mere 91 seconds, unifying the heavyweight championship in a performance that confirmed his dominance over the division. The bout, billed as “Once and For All,” lived up to its name—Tyson left no doubt about who reigned supreme.

Under the bright lights of Convention Hall and before a sell-out crowd of 21,785, the richest fight in boxing history unfolded with shocking brevity. With over $70 million on the line—including Tyson’s record-breaking $22 million purse and a flat $13.5 million for Spinks—the stakes were as high as any ever seen in the sport. This was not just a title bout, but a collision of two unbeaten champions, both laying claim to the true heavyweight crown.

Tyson entered the ring at just 21 years old with an aura of destruction, having bulldozed through the WBC, WBA, and IBF ranks. Spinks, the former light heavyweight king turned heavyweight lineal champion, came in undefeated and unbowed—but his 12-month layoff and career-heaviest weight of 212¼ pounds raised eyebrows among analysts.

Before the first bell, controversy brewed. Spinks’ camp delayed the walk to the ring, raising concerns about the knotting of Tyson’s gloves. But all it did was fuel the fire. As Tyson paced, seething in his dressing room, he reportedly told trainer Kevin Rooney, “I’m gonna hurt this guy.” Moments later, he did just that.

From the opening second, Tyson unleashed hell. A stiff left hook signalled Spinks’ grim reality. Trapped against the ropes, Spinks took a punishing uppercut followed by a right to the ribs that sent him to a knee. He rose, but Tyson—never one to let mercy get in the way of mayhem—ended the bout with a crushing combination to the head. Spinks collapsed, unable to beat the count. Just ten punches were thrown by Tyson, eight of which landed with precision and fury.

The fight earned Round of the Year honours from The Ring, but more importantly, it cemented Tyson’s legacy as the undisputed heavyweight champion. For Spinks, it was the end—he retired one month later. For boxing, it was a moment of violent clarity. In just a minute and a half, Tyson closed the book on all doubts.