Mike Tyson, known as 'Iron Mike', was the youngest heavyweight champion. He held multiple titles and had a high knockout rate. Tyson's career was marked by victories, controversies, and a unique boxing style influenced by Sonny Liston.
Mike Tyson was born on June 30, 1966. He is a former professional boxer who is known for his ferocious and intimidating boxing style.
Mike Tyson was exposed to a criminal element early in his life while living in high crime areas. He engaged in petty thefts and fighting due to his high voice and lisp, often getting into street fights. By the age of 13, he had already been arrested more than three dozen times, leading to his reprimand to a juvenile detention center in Johnstown, N.Y.
During this time, Mike Tyson faced tough circumstances.
Mike Tyson was first arrested on September 19, 1978.
On February 19, 1982, Michael Tyson experiences grief as his mother passes away.
On February 19, 1984, Cus D'Amato takes on the role of Mike Tyson's legal guardian and becomes his boxing trainer, shedding new light on Tyson's future.
On March 6, 1985, Mike Tyson won his professional debut match by defeating Hector Mercedes in just one round.
In November 1985, Cus D'Amato, the renowned boxing trainer and mentor of Mike Tyson, passed away due to pneumonia.
On November 22, 1985, Mike Tyson had his first professional boxing match. He quickly rose to fame for his knockout victories and became the youngest heavyweight champion in history.
Mike Tyson made his professional boxing debut in Albany, New York, defeating Hector Mercedes in the first round.
Mike Tyson became the world champion in boxing.
In 1986, Mike Tyson made history by becoming the youngest heavyweight champion in boxing at the age of 20.
Mike Tyson defeats James Smith in Las Vegas, claiming the WBA heavyweight title.
Mike Tyson defeated James Smith by unanimous decision to unify the WBA and WBC belts in boxing.
On March 7, 1987, Mike Tyson achieved the title of Champion of WBA. This victory added to his growing list of accomplishments in the boxing world.
On May 30, 1987, Mike Tyson retained his WBA-WBC heavyweight titles by knocking out Pinklon Thomas in the sixth round at Las Vegas.
On August 1, 1987, Mike Tyson took the International Boxing Federation (IBF) title from Tony Tucker in a twelve-round unanimous decision, becoming the first heavyweight to own all three major belts – WBA, WBC, and IBF – at the same time.
On October 16, 1987, Mike Tyson knocked out Tyrell Biggs in the seventh round in Atlantic City to defend his world heavyweight title.
On January 22, 1988, Mike Tyson faced Larry Holmes and defeated the legendary former champion by KO in the fourth round. This was the only knockout loss Holmes had in 75 professional bouts.
Mike Tyson and actress Robin Givens got married on this day.
On February 9, 1988, Mike Tyson and actress Robin Givens got married in New York.
On March 20, 1988, Mike Tyson knocked out Tony Tubbs to retain his world heavyweight title.
On June 17, 1988, Robin Givens and her family made public allegations of beatings by Mike Tyson.
In a highly anticipated fight, Mike Tyson knocked out Michael Spinks in just 91 seconds, solidifying his fame and boxing prowess. This bout was considered the richest fight in history at the time.
On July 27, 1988, Mike Tyson settles the Cayton suit out of court, reducing Cayton's managerial share from one-third to 20 percent of purses.
On August 9, 1988, Mike Tyson defeated Tony Tucker to retain the WBA-WBC heavyweight titles and also clinched the IBF heavyweight title.
On August 23, 1988, Mike Tyson breaks a bone in his right hand in a 4 a.m. street brawl with professional fighter Mitch Green in Harlem.
On September 4, 1988, Tyson is knocked unconscious after driving his BMW into a tree. Three days later, the New York Daily News reports the accident was a 'suicide attempt' caused by a 'chemical imbalance' that made him violent and irrational.
On October 7, 1988, Robin Givens filed for divorce from Mike Tyson.
On October 14, 1988, Mike Tyson countersued Robin Givens for divorce and annulment.
On October 26, 1988, Mike Tyson became partners with Don King.
On December 12, 1988, Sandra Miller of New York sued Mike Tyson for allegedly grabbing her, propositioning her, and insulting her at a nightclub. Tyson was later found guilty of battery and fined $100.
In December 1988, Lori Davis from New York files a lawsuit against Mike Tyson, accusing him of grabbing her buttocks while she was dancing at a nightclub on the same night as another incident.
On February 14, 1989, Mike Tyson and Robin Givens finalize their divorce in the Dominican Republic.
In 1989, Mike Tyson defeated Michael Spinks, the former champion of IFB, in just 92 seconds in the first round.
On April 9, 1989, Mike Tyson is accused of hitting a parking attendant outside a Los Angeles nightclub after being asked to move his car. The charges are later dismissed due to lack of witness cooperation.
On July 21, 1989, Mike Tyson successfully defended his world heavyweight title by defeating Carl 'The Truth' Williams through a knockout.
In a shocking upset, Buster Douglas defeated Mike Tyson in Tokyo, causing Tyson to lose the undisputed championship. Douglas's quick jab and reach advantage played a significant role in this unexpected outcome.
On November 1, 1990, a New York City civil jury ruled that Mike Tyson had committed battery in the Sandra Miller case. However, the jury awarded Miller only $100 in damages as they did not find Tyson's behavior to be 'outrageous'.
Mike Tyson faced Donovan 'Razor' Ruddock in a highly anticipated match in Las Vegas. The fight ended controversially in the seventh round when the referee stopped the fight in favor of Tyson, leading to a post-fight melee.
In a rematch, Mike Tyson defeated Donovan 'Razor' Ruddock with a twelve-round unanimous decision, solidifying his dominance in the heavyweight division.
On July 19, 1991, Mike Tyson was arrested for the sexual assault of an 18-year-old girl, leading to a 5-year prison sentence.
On July 22, 1991, Desiree Washington files a complaint with the police, accusing boxer Mike Tyson of rape.
On September 9, 1991, a special grand jury indicts Mike Tyson on rape and three other charges. Two days later, he is booked in Indianapolis and released on $30,000 cash bond.
A highly anticipated fight between Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield for the undisputed championship was scheduled but had to be canceled after Tyson sustained a rib cartilage injury during training.
After a controversial ending to the fight between Mike Tyson and Canadian heavyweight contender Donovan Ruddock, a rematch was immediately scheduled, further delaying the showdown between Tyson and Evander Holyfield.
On February 10, 1992, after nine hours of deliberation, Mike Tyson is found guilty on one count of rape and two counts of deviate sexual conduct.
On March 26, 1992, Superior Court Judge Patricia Gifford sentences Mike Tyson to 10 years in prison, suspending four. She orders him to serve the term immediately.
On May 8, 1992, Mike Tyson was found guilty of threatening a guard and disorderly conduct in prison, resulting in an additional 15 days added to his sentence.
On October 28, 1992, Mike Tyson's father, Jimmy Kirkpatrick, passed away in Brooklyn, N.Y. Tyson did not request permission to attend the funeral.
On August 6, 1993, the Indiana Court of Appeals upheld Mike Tyson's conviction by a 2-1 vote.
On September 2, 1993, the Indiana Supreme Court denied Mike Tyson's appeal without providing any comment.
On March 25, 1995, Mike Tyson was released from the Indiana Youth Center near Plainfield, Ind.
After being paroled from prison, Tyson easily won his comeback fights against Peter McNeeley and Buster Mathis Jr. The fights were marketed as a successful return for Tyson, grossing over $96 million worldwide.
The rematch between Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield took place at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Tyson was disqualified for biting Holyfield's ear during the bout.
On September 7, 1996, Mike Tyson added the WBA title to his collection by knocking out Bruce Seldon in the first round.
In a highly anticipated bout, Mike Tyson lost to Evander Holyfield for the second time in his professional career by a technical knockout in the 11th round.
Mike Tyson married Monica Turner, who later filed for divorce in 2002 citing adultery during their five-year marriage.
The highly anticipated rematch between Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield took place at the Las Vegas MGM Grand Garden Arena. Tyson was disqualified for biting Holyfield on both ears, resulting in Holyfield winning the match.
After biting Evander Holyfield, Mike Tyson's boxing license was revoked by the Nevada State Athletic Commission and he was fined $3 million plus legal fees.
The Nevada Athletic Commission suspends Mike Tyson indefinitely and withholds his $20 million purse for biting Evander Holyfield's ear during their heavyweight title fight on June 28th.
On July 9, 1997, the Nevada State Athletic Commission unanimously voted to revoke Mike Tyson's boxing license and imposed a $3 million fine on him for biting Holyfield during a match.
On October 16, 1997, Mike Tyson was ordered to pay boxer Mitch Green $45,000, despite a jury ruling that Tyson was provoked into a street fight with Green in Harlem in 1988.
Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson reached a settlement with two women who accused him of assaulting them at a restaurant in Washington, D.C. Tyson allegedly grabbed one of the women and requested a sexual relationship, leading to a lawsuit being filed against him.
On March 5, 1998, Mike Tyson filed a $100 million lawsuit in U.S. District Court in New York against Don King, alleging that the promoter cheated him out of tens of millions of dollars.
On March 9, 1998, Sherry Cole and Chevelle Butts filed a $22 million lawsuit against Mike Tyson, alleging verbal and physical abuse at a Washington bistro after rejecting his sexual advances.
On July 16, 1998, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reinstated a $4.4 million award that boxer Mike Tyson was found to owe his former trainer Kevin Rooney for wrongful termination.
On July 17, 1998, Mike Tyson applied for a boxing license in New Jersey.
On July 29, 1998, Mike Tyson appeared before the New Jersey Athletic Control Board to obtain a boxing license. During his emotional 35-minute appearance, he apologized for biting Evander Holyfield's ears but later got frustrated and cursed in front of regulators.
On August 13, 1998, on the eve of a meeting of the New Jersey Athletic Control Board, Mike Tyson's advisers suddenly withdrew his application for a New Jersey boxing license.
On August 31, 1998, Mike Tyson was in a minor auto accident in Gaithersburg, Md., and had to be restrained by bodyguards from fighting the driver of the other car.
On September 2, 1998, Richard Hardick filed an assault charge against Mike Tyson, claiming he was kicked in the groin by Tyson after a car accident involving Tyson's wife on August 31.
On September 3, 1998, Abmielec Saucedo filed a criminal assault charge against Mike Tyson, alleging Tyson punched him in the face following the auto accident on August 31.
On October 13, 1998, the psychiatric report of Mike Tyson was released, providing insights into his mental state during that time.
On appeal, the Nevada State Athletic Commission voted 4–1 to reinstate Mike Tyson's boxing license on October 18, 1998.
The Nevada Athletic Commission voted 4-1 to reinstate Mike Tyson's boxing license, with one commissioner dissenting.
Mike Tyson entered a plea of no contest to a misdemeanor assault charge related to an incident where he kicked and punched two motorists after an auto accident in Maryland on August 31.
After being relicensed, Mike Tyson returned to the ring and knocked out Franz Botha in the fifth round on January 16, 1999.
On February 5, 1999, Mike Tyson was sentenced to two concurrent two-year sentences for assaulting two motorists after a traffic accident. Judge Stephen Johnson suspended most of the jail time, leaving Tyson with one year to serve. He was also fined $5,000 and given two years' probation.
On February 20, 1999, Mike Tyson was placed in an isolation cell at the Montgomery County Detention Center following a disturbance. Reports indicated that Tyson became upset and threw a television set, narrowly missing jail guards. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported.
Mike Tyson was allowed to leave solitary confinement and regain his privileges after appealing a disciplinary ruling for throwing a television in jail.
On October 23, 1999, Mike Tyson fought Orlin Norris, knocking him down with a left hook after the bell. Norris was unable to continue due to a knee injury, and the bout was ruled a no contest.
During a fight against Orlin Norris, Mike Tyson hit Norris after the bell in the 1st round, leading to the match being declared a no contest.
Authorities decided not to charge Mike Tyson with ferret neglect, ensuring that the former heavyweight champion would not have these charges on his record.
In May 2000, American boxer Mike Tyson faced allegations of hitting a stripper named Victoria Bianco in a Las Vegas nightclub. The incident led to a police investigation after Bianco reported that Tyson punched her in the chest and verbally abused her.
On June 24, 2000, Mike Tyson fought against Lou Savarese. During the fight, Tyson knocked the referee down in order to continue punching.
In June 2000, former topless dancer Victoria Bianco filed a lawsuit against heavyweight boxer Mike Tyson, seeking damages for an incident where Tyson allegedly struck her in the chest at Cheetah's club in Las Vegas without provocation.
In August 2000, Mike Tyson was fined $187,500 for his behavior following a 38-second victory over Lou Savarese. Despite the fine, he was not banned from fighting in Britain.
In July 2001, authorities in California were investigating an allegation of sexual assault against Mike Tyson by Arlene Moorman. Tyson, a former world champion with a history of legal issues, was preparing for a fight in Phoenix amidst the investigation.
California prosecutors decided not to press charges against boxer Mike Tyson for an alleged sexual assault on Arlene Moorman near Big Bear Lake.
Police were investigating claims that Mike Tyson assaulted retired heavyweight Mitchell Rose outside a New York nightclub after a joke about Tyson's entourage of women. No charges have been pressed yet.
On January 2, 2002, Mike Tyson checked out of a Havana hotel and allegedly threw glass Christmas ornaments at journalists who were trying to interview him. No injuries or serious damage were reported.
On January 22, 2002, Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis got into a physical altercation during a TV press conference to promote their upcoming fight on April 6th. It was reported that Tyson bit Lennox's leg during the scuffle.
On January 29, 2002, the Nevada Athletic Commission voted 4-1 to reject Mike Tyson's request to reinstate his boxing license in Nevada.
In 2002, Mike Tyson sought to fight Lennox Lewis for the heavyweight championship, but faced challenges obtaining a boxing license due to legal issues. The fight eventually took place on June 8 at the Pyramid Arena in Memphis, Tennessee, where Lewis dominated and knocked out Tyson in the eighth round.
Mike Tyson got divorced from his wife Monica in 2003, with whom he shares two children.
On February 22, 2003, Mike Tyson defeated Clifford Etienne in 49 seconds into round one in Memphis. This victory marked Tyson's final professional win in the ring.
On July 30, 2004, Mike Tyson faced British boxer Danny Williams in a comeback fight in Louisville, Kentucky. Tyson dominated the early rounds but was unexpectedly knocked out in the fourth round due to a knee injury.
In an interview with USA Today published on June 3, 2005, Mike Tyson expressed his disappointment and desire for a fresh start after boxing, mentioning his interest in becoming a missionary and his struggles with self-image.
On June 11, 2005, Mike Tyson quit before the start of the seventh round in a bout against Kevin McBride. Tyson later revealed in a documentary that he fought for a payday, was in poor physical condition, and had lost his passion for boxing.
On December 29, 2006, Mike Tyson was arrested in Scottsdale, Arizona, for DUI and felony drug possession after a near collision with a police vehicle, highlighting his legal troubles.
In 2007, Mike Tyson was convicted on charges of drug possession and driving under the influence of drugs.
In 2008, the documentary Tyson premiered at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, showcasing the personal and professional exploits of the legendary boxer Mike Tyson.
Mike Tyson's four-year-old daughter Exodus was found unconscious and tangled in a cord, and despite efforts to save her, she passed away the next day.
Just eleven days after his daughter's tragic death, Mike Tyson married Lakiha 'Kiki' Spicer in a private ceremony in Las Vegas.
On November 11, 2009, Mike Tyson was arrested at Los Angeles International airport after a scuffle with a photographer, although no charges were filed, showcasing a controversial incident.
In July 2010, Mike Tyson completed the Islamic pilgrimage Umrah, a significant religious journey for Muslims.
On June 12, 2011, Mike Tyson was honored with induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, alongside other legendary figures in the boxing world.
In August 2012, Mike Tyson collaborated with film director Spike Lee to bring his one-man show to Broadway. The show delves into Tyson's personal and professional life.
In October 2012, Mike Tyson established the Mike Tyson Cares Foundation with the mission to provide support and resources for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
In February 2013, Mike Tyson took his one-man show 'Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth' on a national tour, visiting 36 cities over three months. The show provides insights into Tyson's life on and off the stage.
In August 2013, Mike Tyson partnered with Acquinity Sports to create Iron Mike Productions, a boxing promotions company.
In September 2013, a six-episode television series titled 'Being: Mike Tyson' aired on Fox Sports 1, offering a glimpse into Mike Tyson's personal and private life.
In November 2013, Mike Tyson's autobiography 'Undisputed Truth' was published, earning a place on The New York Times Best Seller list. Tyson also received the Sportel Special Prize for the best autobiography.
In December 2013, Mike Tyson expressed his gratitude for being a Muslim and the importance of Allah in his life during an interview with Fox News.
The animated series 'Mike Tyson Mysteries' started airing on Adult Swim, with Mike Tyson voicing a fictionalized version of himself solving mysteries in the style of Scooby-Doo.
The announcement of 'Ip Man 3' with Donnie Yen reprising his role as Ip Man and Mike Tyson joining the cast. Principal photography began on March 25, 2015.
Mike Tyson launched his YouTube channel in collaboration with Shots Studios, featuring parody music videos and comedy sketches.
In May 2017, Mike Tyson released his second book 'Iron Ambition', which delves into his experiences with trainer Cus D'Amato.
Tyson was announced as the new face of Australian car servicing franchise Ultra Tune, taking over from Jean-Claude van Damme in television commercials.
In February 2018, Mike Tyson attended an international mixed martial arts (MMA) tournament in the Russian city of Chelyabinsk. He praised the kindness and sensitivity of the Russian people compared to Americans.
The film 'Girls 2: Girls vs Gangsters' was released, featuring Mike Tyson as 'Dragon'. It was shot in Vietnam from July to August 2016.
On May 12, 2020, Mike Tyson posted a video on his Instagram showing him training again. At the end of the video, he suggested a potential return to boxing by saying, 'I'm back'.
On May 23, 2020, at All Elite Wrestling's Double or Nothing event, Mike Tyson assisted Cody in defeating Lance Archer and presented him with the inaugural AEW TNT Championship.
On November 28, 2020, Mike Tyson faced Roy Jones Jr. in an eight-round exhibition fight under Mike Tyson's Legends Only League. The event was highly successful, receiving positive reviews and becoming one of the top-selling PPV events of 2020.
On April 7, 2021, Mike Tyson returned to AEW Dynamite and aided Chris Jericho in fending off an attack by The Pinnacle, engaging in a physical altercation with Shawn Spears in the process.
The two-part documentary series 'Mike Tyson: The Knockout' premiered on ABC on May 25, 2021.
On April 20, 2022, Mike Tyson punched a male passenger on a JetBlue flight from San Francisco to Florida who was harassing him. Tyson did not face criminal charges for the incident.
Tyson and his family appeared as VIP guests in the Blue Team's kitchen during Season 20's opening dinner service of Hell's Kitchen.
Mike Tyson made an extended cameo appearance in the Telugu-Hindi movie Liger, which was released on August 25, 2022.
In November 2023, Mike Tyson faced criticism and rumors regarding his alleged donation to the Israeli Defense Forces after attending a fundraising event sponsored by Friends of the IDF. This led to a social media backlash and Tyson clarifying his stance on the matter.
On March 7, 2024, it was announced that Mike Tyson would return to the ring for a boxing match against Paul on July 20 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Mike Tyson receives a warning about potential brain damage ahead of his boxing match against Jake Paul.
Mike Tyson is preparing for a fight against Jake Paul at Tool Singer Maynard James Keenan’s Martial Arts Gym.
Health experts express concerns as Mike Tyson announces his return to boxing at the age of 58.
News article on Jake Paul not worried about KO in a potential fight against Mike Tyson, stating he is too sharp and fast.