Mike Tyson was a hero to many Gen X kids as the end boss from Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!! until he raped a girl and bit off Holyfield’s ear IRL. Then he became vegan and everyone really hated him. But now, he’s back eating meat and appearing on all the bro-tier podcasts. Iron Mike is once again in the good graces of the NPC public.
For the purpose of this blog, Tyson had legendary entrance music. There was no bombast or cheese, no pop song, no “Living in America” or “Ride of the Valkyries,” just one ominous note.
The one note in question was a low C2 and there were actually ambient synth drums behind it. I defy you to identify the downbeat in this monster music. What time signature even is this?
The TV commentator said of the music:
This heavy metal sound you hear is Mike Tyson about to make his way in, I believe. The sound is deafening here in the arena so I won’t try to yell over it … It’s interesting to note that Mike Tyson selected his pre-fight music just noise. Every once and a while you hear the clanging of chains. I think that’s what he’s got in mind to do to Mike Spinks’s head, but we’ll wait and see. Everything that Tyson does is intimidating. There he is; he comes out; he doesn’t wear a coat in; he’s worked up a full sweat. I want to tell you: the electricity in this crowd is awesome!
By contrast, Michael Spinks’s entrance music was “This Is It” by Kenny Loggins, a yacht-rock classic. The stark change from an upbeat pop tune to a singular menacing drone is one of the most memorable moments in sports music history. It would be like if Kenny Loggins opened for the psychedelic stoner-rock band Sleep. Or Hall & Oates opening up the mouth of hell.
I’m the best ever. I’m the most brutal and vicious, and most ruthless champion there’s ever been. There’s no one can stop me. Lennox is a conqueror? No, I’m Alexander, he’s no Alexander. I’m the best ever. There’s never been anybody as ruthless. I’m Sonny Liston, I’m Jack Dempsey. There’s no one like me. I’m from their cloth. There’s no one that can match me. My style is impetuous, my defense is impregnable, and I’m just ferocious. I want your heart. I want to eat his children. Praise be to Allah.
