Incredibly, 20 years have passed since the world watched a disgraced Mike Tyson re-gain some of his former glory at the expense of British champion Julius Francis.

The fight was the American heavyweight’s first on European soil, and it came at the end of a turbulent decade for the man fans now call ‘The Baddest Man on the Planet’.

Away from the ring, Tyson had served half of a six-year sentence following his rape conviction in 1992, and spent a further four months in jail in 1999 for attacking two motorists.

Tyson was a polarising figure within the world of boxing, and despite resistance from feminist campaigning organisations, British fans clamoured to see Iron Mike fight in person.

Home Secretary Jack Straw caved to the pressure, controversially allowing Tyson to enter the United Kingdom to face Francis despite his convictions, citing "exceptional circumstances".

Having arrived in London with his team two weeks early, the American heavyweight had given himself plenty of time to cause a stir in the nation’s capital – and that he did.

On a casual walk to a jewellery shop in Brixton, Tyson found himself surrounded by a crowd of 2,000 star-struck fans and indignant campaigners, which was broken up by police officers.

Iron Mike was deeply affected by his notoriety in Britain: indeed, his weigh-in with Francis had to be delayed while his team members desperately tried to prevent him flying home.

But Tyson pulled through, and made it to Manchester’s M.E.N arena to take on the British heavyweight champion – and the fight, while short, did not disappoint.

Fuelled by a determination to redeem his personal and professional reputation, Iron Mike disposed of Francis within 5 minutes, sending the Brit crashing to the canvas five times in total.

Tyson barely broke a sweat as he landed jab after jab on his weakened opponent, and secured himself another seemingly effortless victory to add to his collection.

And as we all know, the man has remained just as enigmatic ever since!