Fighting for the first time in nearly three years, Buster Mathis gets a shot at former Heavyweight Champion Muhammad Ali. Ali bides his time with the big man in a listless bout that is highlighted by the fighters trading shuffles in the sixth round and an odd final two rounds in which Mathis is allowed to continue despite being knocked down on his hands and knees four times and appearing to be out on his feet. With Referee Chris Jordan unwilling to end the fight, Mathis goes the distance and loses a landslide unanimous decision to Ali, who expresses disgust with the referee's decision.

The Mountain Comes To Muhammad: Muhammad Ali vs. Buster Mathis

In his second fight since being released from prison, Mike Tyson takes on Buster Mathis Jr. to tune up for a run at the splintered Heavyweight Championship. Mathis barrels in and tries to smother Tyson, but "Iron" Mike sends him packing with an uppercut in the third round. Mathis fails to beat the count as Tyson continues to march toward a title shot.

Presumption Of Innocence: Mike Tyson vs. Buster Mathis Jr.

"Buster Mathis, 232, of Grand Rapids, Mich., bloodied George Chuvalo, 208, over 12 brutal rounds Monday night and scored a unanimous decision over the game Canadian heavyweight in the second half of a MSG boxing doubleheader. Mathis, enraged at some low blows in the opening round, charged at Chuvalo to retaliate and twice shoved referee Harold Valan out of the way in attempts to return the fouls. Mathis calmed down later and methodically chopped Chuvalo down, cutting him over both eyes and raising a huge lump on the Toronto fighter's left cheek. In the 11th round, a right lead opened a deep cut at the corner of Chuvalo's left eye and the wound pumped blood for the rest of the fight." -Associated Press

The Mountain Comes To Muhammad: Muhammad Ali vs. Buster Mathis

Presumption Of Innocence: Mike Tyson vs. Buster Mathis Jr.

Buster Mathis vs George Chuvalo

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