Mike Tyson, the undisputed heavyweight champion of the late 1980s, nearly exchanged blows with NBA legend Michael Jordan, but not in the ring.
In a stunning moment in sporting history, Tyson took on Jordan, the world’s richest sportsman, at a star-studded party in December 1988.
The boxer’s confrontation was fueled by lingering resentment following his bitter divorce from actress and ABC sitcom star Robin Givens.
The tension came to a head at former NFL player Richard Dent’s birthday dinner at a posh Chicago restaurant.
Mike Tyson, who was already dominating the boxing world with an undefeated 35-0 record, had just split from Givens, a highly publicized divorce that cost him a whopping $15 million.
Across the table sat Michael Jordan, who was just beginning to solidify his legacy with the Chicago Bulls.
According to Rory Holloway, Tyson’s former co-manager and author of “Taming the Beast : The Untold Story of Mike Tyson”, the champion’s emotions overflowed after a few drinks.
“Mike looked Jordan straight in the eye and said, Hey, you (to Jordan), think I’m stupid? I know you were with my wife”, Holloway said.
Jordan, famously reserved, froze in terror as Tyson’s accusations reverberated across the table.
Mike Tyson vs. Michael Jordan: A near miss that could have changed history
Holloway explained how the evening descended into chaos.
As Don King desperately tried to defuse the situation and NFL coach Mike Ditka looked on, Tyson was ready to “beat Jordan’s ass.”
Jordan, meanwhile, sat paralyzed, seemingly “ as if he had seen a ghost ».
Fortunately, calmer heads prevailed as Holloway and others worked to hold off Mike Tyson.
The explosive moment ended unharmed, leaving Jordan unharmed but visibly shaken.
This surreal encounter remains one of the most bizarre stories in sports history.
Although both men have never spoken about the incident publicly, it was an evening neither legend is likely to forget.
