Reliving Mike Tyson’s 37-Second Knockout of Robert Colay on October 25, 1985

Mike Tyson made his professional debut on March 6, 1985, demolishing Hector Mercedes by first-round TKO at the Plaza Convention Center, Albany, New York. During 1985, “Iron Mike” amassed a perfect 15-0, 15 KOs record, making him one, if not the most talked about fighter on the planet. On October 25 of that year, Tyson faced Robert Colay at Atlantis Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City. The Brooklyn native was destroying all comers and it was to be no different when facing Colay.

Mike Tyson Record: The 37-Second Destruction of Robert Colay

Tyson vs. Colay Fight Recap

That first year for Tyson was full of highlight-reel knockouts, month after month because he ended fights so quickly. The wins kept coming and it was no different in Atlantic City as Tyson gained what would be the second quickest of his career.

“Iron Mike” came out of the blocks quickly, bobbing and weaving, targeting his opponent’s head, and before long a heavy left hook landed, knocking Colay down who tried to beat the count but was clearly on unsteady legs which led the referee to wave the fight off and Tyson moved to 10-0.

Recapping 1985 and Beyond

That first year in the professional ranks was a truly memorable one for Tyson. During those first 15 contests, “Iron Mike” recorded 11 first-round stoppage wins. It wasn’t the opposition he defeated that created the headlines, it was the brutal way he was knocking these fighters out.

That perfect record continued until the Brooklyn native was taken 12 rounds for the first time in his career against James Tillis. Despite a brave effort, in being the first fighter to take Tyson 12 rounds, Tillis ultimately lost, with the judge’s scorecards reading 6-4 x2 and 8-2, all favouring “The Baddest Man on the Planet.”