Mike Tyson showed his world-class potential from an early age, with footage showing him knocking out an opponent inside just eight seconds to win gold at the 1981 Junior Olympics.

Tyson, who was just 15 years of age at the time, beat Joe Cortez to win the heavyweight competition at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem.

The archival footage shows Tyson, in blue shorts, already showing off his devastating skills, with his quick footwork and immense punch-power stopping Cortez in an astonishing eight seconds.

Mike Tyson knocks out Joe Cortez in 1981 with a fearsome left hook finishing the job

Tyson missed with a right hook but it didn’t matter as Cortez dropped dramatically to the floor

In the gold medal fight, Tyson takes the initiative straight from the off, consigning Cortez to the ropes before dipping his head as his opponent missed with some flailing punches.

The then-15-year-old caught Cortez with a right hook followed up by a perfectly timed left hook.

Tyson jumped on the ropes in celebration before retreating to his corner, and the fight was eventually called off as Cortez received medical attention.

It was the first sight of Tyson’s stunning potential – he also went on to win gold at the 1982 Junior Olympics, defeating Kelton Brown.

The heavyweight amateur contest was for the gold medal at the 1981 Junior Olympics

Cortez was seemingly knocked out cold as a victorious Tyson waited in his corner

Tyson also won the gold medal at the 1982 Junior Olympics but didn’t make the 1984 Olympics

But two years later, Tyson lost to Henry Tillman in the trials for the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Tyson, now 53, said last week that he is in the best shape of his life, 33 years on from taking his first heavyweight world title.

The boxing icon retired in 2006 after a memorable career, concluding with a professional record of 50 wins, six losses and two fights deemed no contests.