Mike Tyson flattened his biggest ever opponent with first punch – then helped him up after brutal KO

Mike Tyson was almost always the smaller man throughout his heavyweight boxing career.

In his 56 professional fights, the 5ft 10ins icon only once came up against an opponent shorter than him – Orlin Norris stood at 5ft 9½ins.

In his other 55 fights, Tyson always faced heavyweights over 6ft who looked down at him.

On three occasions, he even took on gigantic 6ft 6ins heavyweights who utterly dwarfed him.

The first of these came in November 1985 – Eddie Richardson.

Tyson was a 19-year-old 11-0 (11 KOs) prospect when he took on Richardson at the Ramada-Houston Hotel, Houston.

The 26-year-old opponent had a record of 10-2 (6 KOs).

Despite his two losses, he was seen as an adequate opponent for Tyson to continue his development against.

Especially because he provided a new test, being of a size the youngster hadn’t experienced previously.

When they stepped into the ring though, it quickly became apparent that this wouldn’t matter in the slightest.

“It’s going to be a really fascinating contest to see how Richardson attempts to use that advantage of height and reach,” the commentator said as the first bell rang.

Less than ten seconds later, Tyson had floored him.

The first punch thrown by the 19-year-old was a rapid right hand that instantly landed on Richardson’s chin.

He wasn’t standing at 6ft 6ins tall for long as the impact made him collapse to the canvas.

“Oh my,” exclaimed the commentator, “It was the first punch he threw.”

His co-commentator joked: “What took him so long?”

To his credit, Richardson returned to his feet and fought on.

He was immediately on his back foot though, not wanting to taste Tyson’s power for a second time.

Richardson skipped around the ring while the smaller man stalked and pursued him, waiting for his opportunity to land another bomb.

Just a minute or so later, that opportunity arose.

Tyson hammered Richardson with one of his famous leaping left hooks which sent him crashing to the canvas for a second time.

This time, he did not beat the count and had to be helped up by the referee and even Tyson himself.

The 19-year-old passed the 6ft 6ins test with flying colours and went on to become heavyweight world champion the following year.

Now he’s using that experience to help former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou take on boxing’s WBC heavyweight king Tyson Fury.

Fury has never lost a fight, while this is Ngannou’s first professional boxing match.

And someone who became the youngest ever heavyweight champion is not a bad man to have in your corner.