Who is ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson?

Mike Tyson is a former professional heavyweight boxer who competed in the heavyweight division from 1985 to 2005. Tyson’s exploits in and out of boxing made him one of the most famous men in the world. That continues to this day. Tyson was known as a ferocious puncher and knockout specialist throughout his boxing career. During his ring campaign, he was known as “Kid Dynamite,” “Iron Mike,” and “The Baddest Man On The Planet.”

Born in Brooklyn, New York, USA, on June 30, 1966, Tyson grew up without a father figure in his life. When his mother passed away when he was 16, Tyson was looked after by boxing manager and trainer Cus D’Amato. Under D’Amato’s tutelage and mentorship, Tyson enjoyed a fast start to his professional boxing career. In a busy period between March 1985 and September 1986, Tyson won 27 fights in a row; all but two of these victories were by knockout.

This presented “Kid Dynamite” with the opportunity to fight for the WBC heavyweight world title. Trevor Berbick was the title holder, but Tyson hammered him within two rounds in November 1986 in Las Vegas. At just 20-years-old Tyson became the youngest ever heavyweight world champion. That record still stands today.

Between winning the title and July 1989, Tyson made nine defenses of his crown. He also won the WBA version of the title from James “Bonecrusher” Smith in March 1987 and the IBF crown by beating Tony “TNT” Tucker in August of the same year. “Iron Mike” was now the undisputed heavyweight champion.

That changed in February 1990 when Tyson lost his titles to James “Buster” Douglas. Douglas was a 44/1 underdog for the Tokyo fight, but he pulled off one of the biggest boxing upsets of all time when he stopped Tyson in the tenth round.Tyson had to regroup, and he went on a four-fight winning run in 1990 and 1991 before his life was turned upside down.

With a massive fight on the horizon against the new undisputed heavyweight champion, Evander Holyfield, Tyson was sent to prison after being convicted of raping an 18-year-old female in an Indianapolis hotel room.

Throughout the trial, Tyson maintained that everything that happened had been consensual, but after the jury deliberated for ten hours, the boxer was found guilty. He was sentenced in March 1992.

Mike Tyson spent three years in prison. He was released in March 1995 and set about making up for lost time in the boxing ring. After early knockout victories over Peter McNeeley and Buster Mathis Jr. closed out the returning Tyson’s 1995, he got his hands on the WBC title again by defeating Frank Bruno in March 1996.

Six months later, Bruce Seldon was beaten in the first round, and the WBA title was once again around Tyson’s waist; although he had relinquished the WBC crown.

After a lengthy wait, the Tyson- Holyfield showdown finally took place. November 9, 1996, was the date. Las Vegas, NV was the location. Tyson was expected to dominate and stop 14/1 outsider Holyfield.

In another shocking upset, Holyfield fought with skill and determination and won by TKO in the eleventh round. Tyson was beaten by the better man on the night, who wasn’t intimidated by his “Baddest Man On The Planet” designation. Mike Tyson would never again hold a portion of the heavyweight world title.

Tyson fought Holyfield in a rematch. That June 1997 bout ended in even worse circumstances for the former champion. Tyson was disqualified at the end of the third round in Las Vegas for twice biting Holyfield’s ears. This became known as the “bite fight” for obvious reasons. The aftermath was serious for Tyson as he was fined $3 million and suspended by the Nevada Commission for one year.

Tyson returned to boxing in 1999, but, barring a 2002 bout against the then undisputed champion Lennox Lewis, spent his final fights facing opponents from the B-grade list of heavyweights. His bout against Lewis ended in a knockout defeat, after which Tyson fought three more times, registering one win and two defeats.

“Iron Mike” retired from boxing after a June 2005 defeat to journeyman Kevin McBride. At the conclusion of his professional campaign, Tyson’s record read 50 wins and six defeats. Forty-four of his wins came by knockout. Although he boxed predominately in America, Tyson also gloved up in Japan (twice), England, Scotland and Denmark during his campaign.

Tyson’s later years in boxing were punctuated by controversy in and out of the ring. He also faced various personal problems, including bankruptcy. More recently, Tyson has left his chaotic past behind. He has had two books published and performed a spoken world tour around the world telling the story of his life – the good, bad, and ugly.

Today, he owns a 420-acre cannabis farm in Southern California, where marijuana is legal. It has been reported that the business earns Tyson a healthy monthly income. Mike Tyson regularly attends boxing events in Las Vegas and is liked and respected by all in boxing circles.

Colin Morrison

A boxing fan since his teenage years, Morrison began writing about the sport in July 2016. He appreciates all styles of boxing and has nothing but respect for those who get in the ring for our entertainment. Morrison is from Scotland and can be found on Twitter @Morrie1981.

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