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On March 16, 1996, 29-year-old Mike Tyson defeated England’s Frank Bruno to regain the WBC heavyweight boxing title he had shockingly lost to Buster Douglas some six years before.

Today in Sports History presented by Starr Cards

Tyson would reclaim the WBA crown in his next fight against Bruce Seldon, before losing back-to-back fights against Evander Holyfield.

TYSON VS BRUNO II

Tyson entered his rematch versus Bruno sporting a 43-1 record, but had been unconvincing in the two fights following his being paroled from prison.

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Tyson was the aggressor throughout the fight with Bruno, who stood five inches taller and enjoyed an 11-inch reach advantage. The fight marked Bruno’s first title defense since claiming the WBC belt versus Oliver McCall the year before. The Englishman’s reign was short lived as Tyson finished him with a flurry of punches early in the 3rd round causing the ref to call the fight.

TYSON VS BRUNO I

Tyson and Bruno’s first meeting in 1989 also ended with the American winning by TKO, but circumstances were significantly different. For the then undefeated Tyson it marked an eighth consecutive successful defense of his WBC heavyweight title which he first won in 1986 with a 2nd round win over Trevor Berbick.

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The fight was ended with seconds remaining in the 5th round as Tyson landed two devastating right uppercuts and a left hook.