On Feb. 11, 1990, in Tokyo, long shot James “Buster” Douglas defeated Mike Tyson for the heavyweight championship of the world.
The new 30 for 30 documentary “42 to 1” (tonight, 9 ET, ESPN) tells the story of just how incredibly unlikely Douglas’ upset was.
The stories behind the making of the film are almost as good. In the video above, co-directors Jeremy Schaap and Ben Houser explain what inspired this major project. In addition, Douglas explains how the film gave him a greater perspective on something he did not appreciate fully in 1990.
As a bonus, after “42 to 1” airs, ESPN will present Douglas’ monumental upset of Tyson in its entirety beginning at 10 p.m. ET.
Jon McLeod produced the video above.
Below, ESPNPR showcases an excerpt from the film featuring former SportsCenter anchor Charlie Steiner.
The odds were "42 to 1," and Charley Steiner was reporting the facts on @SportsCenter 🥊
Watch the @30for30 story of the biggest upset in boxing history tonight 9 p.m. ET @espn pic.twitter.com/sMkeNcRacG
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) December 11, 2018
Below, ESPNPR showcases another an excerpt from the film, this one featuring Douglas, his family and desserts.
Buster Douglas & his brother Bill reflect on fond childhood memories 🍰🥧🥊
Watch "42 to 1" the @30for30 on the biggest upset in boxing history tonight 9 p.m. ET ESPN
Catch the 1990 World Heavyweight Title bout between Buster Douglas & Mike Tyson at 10 p.m. ET ESPN pic.twitter.com/QdVh2n60sF
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) December 11, 2018