RAZOR SHARP – Donovan ‘Razor’ Ruddock hit a prime Mike Tyson ‘like a f****** mule kick’ – harder than Lennox Lewis, Evander Holyfield or Buster Douglas | HO

Nothing elicits as much excitement as a well-placed power punch in boxing’s heavyweight division, shaking even the most battle-hardened warrior to their boots.

When you think of devastating power punchers who transcend the sport – those who truly considered all-time greats – Mike Tyson is rarely far from the conversation.

Mike Tyson was the most feared man on the planet for a generation and became the youngest heavyweight champion in history when he beat Trevor BerbickCredit: The Ring Magazine via Getty Images

However, there was one man who took the fight to a prime ‘Iron Mike’ and hit him so hard, the New Yorker compared it to being kicked by a mule.

The name Donovan Ruddock may not resonate with modern boxing fans in quite the same way as some of Tyson’s more formidable opponents; with Lennox Lewis, Evander Holyfield and perhaps even James ‘Buster’ Douglas considered more prestigious.

Yet it was ‘Razor’ Ruddock who hit the former undisputed heavyweight world champion so hard during their first fight in March 1991 it left Tyson truly reeling.

Perhaps it was perfect fight for the former champ, who is now on a comeback of sorts to take after his shock defeat to Douglas in the winter of 1990, but it proved the air of invincibility which had shrouded the stocky slugger had well and truly started to dissipate.

Donovan Ruddock took the fight to ‘Iron Mike’Credit: The Ring Magazine via Getty Images
Born in the heart of Jamaica, Ruddock moved to Canada as an 11-year-old and developed a love for boxing which became a burning passion.

As an amateur, he racked up a win against fellow émigré Lennox Lewis and moved onto the pro ranks for an assault on the heavyweight division.

After stunning doctors by overcoming difficult respiratory problems, ‘Razor’ began to rack up victories against some of the toughest fighters of the 1980s and was destined for a world title shot.

However, in 1989, a scheduled fight with Tyson was cancelled when the champion cited illness – instead taking on ‘Buster’ Douglas the following year.

Even when knocked down, ‘Razor’ Ruddock managed to get back upCredit: The Ring Magazine via Getty Images

Ruddock had gained a reputation as a fearful puncher, who was a left-hander fighting out an orthodox stance to devastating effect.

His most lethal weapon was a technique he called the ‘Smash’ which was a hybrid of a hook and an uppercut which he delivered to opponent’s heads with freakish speed and power to render them unconscious.

Undeterred by Tyson’s knock back, Ruddock instead took a fight against former world champion Michael Doukes in April 1990 to enhance his championship credentials and prove he deserved to be considered one of the best in the world.

Despite going into the contest as an underdog, Ruddock stopped Doukes inside four rounds as he landed the infamous ‘Smash’ punch against the ropes and left the former champion out cold.

The world could no longer ignore him as a force among heavyweights.

The 1991 stoppage was controversial as ‘Razor’ Ruddock had all his faculties about himCredit: The Ring Magazine via Getty Images

Evander Holyfield was offered to defend his title against Ruddock, but instead opted to take the more lucrative (and arguably safer) option against an ageing George Foreman.

With Tyson still reeling from his embarrassing defeat against Douglas in Tokyo, the number one and number two ranked heavyweights met for the chance to fight the winner of the Holyfield-Foreman fight.

After recovering from two early knockdowns against the vicious Tyson, Ruddock began to assert control and had the former champion seriously hurt as his knees sagged on several occasions as several ‘Smash’ punches landed to send shockwaves through Tyson’s almost limp body.

The former champion rallied in the seventh, though, and one of the most controversial stoppages of the decade ensued as referee Richard Steele waved off the contest – much to the disgust of Ruddock.

Lesser men would have accepted a way out against one of the most devastating punches in heavyweight history, but Ruddock felt perturbed at the decision.

In fact, it even spawned a skit on Saturday Night Live and ensured both men would meet three months later in a highly-anticipated rematch, which would see Tyson claim a unanimous decision victory.

But the pure vitriol and spite from Tyson during the build-up to the fight suggested Ruddock had left his mark on his opponent forever, the devastating ‘Smash’ punch which shook him to the soles of his boots.

The world clamoured for a rematch and got an ill-tempered affair in Nevada.

Tyson has a far calmer demeanour, but is still hugely respectedCredit: Instagram: Tyson Fury
Both men were warned for low blows and punching after the bell, but it was Tyson who emerged victorious on the judge’s scorecards.

‘Iron Mike’ was scheduled to face defending undisputed heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield in the aftermath of the win, but was sentenced to prison for the rape of Desiree Washington in 1992.

For Ruddock, this was the pinnacle of his career as he recorded back-to-back knockouts before getting a title shot against Lennox Lewis. But, in the fight which was supposed to define his legacy against Lennox Lewis, ‘Razor’ was brutally knocked out in the second round.