Overview
Timelines
Title Fights and Defenses
Comeback and Exhibition Fights
Impact on Boxing
Awards and Honors
Overview and main events
Financial and Business Ventures
Boxing Career
Legal Issues and Controversies
Personal Life and Relationships
Media and Entertainment
Early Life and Amateur Career
Notable Fights
Chronicle
Articles
Mike Tyson. Overview and main events
Overview and main events
Michael Gerard Tyson, known famously as Mike Tyson, is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1985 to 2005 and is regarded as one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time. Nicknamed 'Iron Mike,' 'Kid Dynamite,' and 'the Baddest Man on the Planet,' Tyson's career was marked by both incredible achievements and significant controversies.
June 30, 1966
Birth
Mike Tyson was born in Brooklyn, New York, marking the beginning of a life that would be filled with both athletic greatness and personal turmoil.
1985
Professional Boxing Debut
Tyson began his professional boxing career, quickly gaining attention for his ferocious and intimidating style. He won his first 19 professional fights by knockout, 12 of them in the first round.
November 22, 1986
First Title Fight and Youngest Heavyweight Champion
At just 20 years and 4 months old, Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion in history by defeating Trevor Berbick for the World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight championship via TKO in the second round.
1987
Undisputed Heavyweight Champion
Tyson unified the heavyweight titles by defeating James Smith for the World Boxing Association (WBA) title and Tony Tucker for the International Boxing Federation (IBF) title, becoming the first boxer to hold all three major belts simultaneously.
February 1992
Conviction and Imprisonment
Tyson was convicted of rape and sentenced to six years in prison. He was released on parole after serving three years, which significantly impacted his career and personal life.
1995-1996
Comeback and Regaining Titles
After his release from prison, Tyson engaged in a series of comeback fights. He regained the WBA and WBC titles in 1996, joining a select group of boxers who have regained a heavyweight championship after losing it.
June 28, 1997
Infamous Fight Against Evander Holyfield
Tyson's rematch against Evander Holyfield ended in controversy when he was disqualified for biting Holyfield's ears during the fight, a moment that became one of the most infamous in boxing history.
2002
Fight Against Lennox Lewis
Tyson fought for the world heavyweight title against Lennox Lewis, losing by knockout in the eighth round. This marked one of the significant defeats in his later career.
2005
Initial Retirement
Tyson officially retired from professional boxing with a record of 50 wins and 6 losses, 44 of those wins coming by knockout.
November 2020
Exhibition Fight Against Roy Jones Jr.
Tyson returned to the ring for an exhibition fight against Roy Jones Jr., marking a return to boxing after a long hiatus.
November 2024
Fight Against Jake Paul
Tyson participated in a highly publicized bout against Jake Paul, which he lost via unanimous decision. This fight set the record for the biggest boxing gate in US history outside of Las Vegas.
