February 11, 2010 is the 20th Anniversary of two monumental and extraordinary events. The first, and more prevalent event took place earlier in the day, with the release of Nelson Mandela from 27 years of incarceration from Victor Verster Prison. Mandela was taken by motorcade to Cape Town City Hall where he address 50,000 strong from the balcony, and the millions of television viewers around the world.
The second event occurred later on that day in Tokyo, Japan. James "Buster" Douglas knocked out Mike Tyson in the 10th round of their boxing match. In what was supposed to be a tune-up fight for then "Iron" Mike Tyson, quickly became one of the most legendary upsets to ever take place in Boxing History. Tyson, at the peak of his career at the time, still had a presence and an agreed upon perception that he was indestructible. Douglas at the time however, had been described in the words of Jim Lampley as having "...difficulty looking spectacular." None of that mattered though as Douglas fought an inspired fight. Even though he took an 8th round knockdown from Tyson, he got up and rallied back to knockout Tyson with an uppercut and series of combinations that turned the boxing world on it's knees. Not too many days happen like that...
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