Who Is Mike Tyson? The Boxer’s Career, Achievements, and His Return to the Ring

Berfin Ceren Meray
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Mike Tyson, a name that resonates with boxing greatness, became the youngest heavyweight champion in history during the 1980s. With an incredible 44 knockouts in his career, Tyson retired in 2005, leaving an unmatched legacy. But the boxing legend isn’t done yet—he’s set to return to the ring for what’s being hailed as the most expensive fight in boxing history, against Jake Paul. Fans are eager to witness the legend in action once more. Curious about Mike Tyson’s life, achievements, and what makes him an icon? Read on for all the details!

Who is Mike Tyson?

Mike Gerard Tyson was born on June 30, 1966, in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, New York. Tyson has an older brother named Rodney, who is five years his senior, and a sister named Denise, who tragically passed away at 24 due to a heart attack in 1990. Tyson attended Tryon School for Boys in Johnstown, New York. Growing up in a high-crime neighborhood and being arrested numerous times for petty offenses by the age of 13, Tyson’s extraordinary talent for boxing was discovered by Bobby Stewart, a former boxer and youth detention counselor. Stewart described Tyson as an 'exceptional fighter' and trained him alongside legendary trainer and manager Cus D'Amato. Tyson dropped out of high school in his junior year and lost his mother at the age of 16.

Mike Tyson's Boxing Career

At 18, Mike Tyson made his professional debut! On March 6, 1985, in Albany, New York, he defeated Hector Mercedes via a first-round technical knockout. In his first year as a professional boxer, Tyson fought 15 matches, winning 26 of his first 28 bouts by knockout or technical knockout—16 of these knockouts occurred in the first round. He began facing seasoned fighters like James Tillis, David Jaco, Jesse Ferguson, Mitch Green, and Marvis Frazier. His growing streak of victories quickly made him a media sensation. However, in November 1985, Tyson faced a personal loss as Cus D'Amato, who had taken care of him after his mother's passing, also died.

Mike Tyson's Achievements: The Youngest Heavyweight Champion in History

Mike Tyson quickly rose to prominence, becoming the youngest heavyweight world champion at the age of 20. From 1987 to 1990, he reigned as the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. He became the only boxer to simultaneously hold and unify the World Boxing Association (WBA), World Boxing Council (WBC), and International Boxing Federation (IBF) titles.

Mike Tyson: The "Bad Boy" of Boxing

Tyson gained fame for defeating legendary, previously undefeated boxers like Trevor Berbick and Larry Holmes. By 1990, Tyson had won all 37 of his matches, but his winning streak ended when he suffered his first loss against Buster Douglas, relinquishing his WBC, WBA, and IBF titles.

Scandals and Legal Troubles

Tyson’s life outside the ring was as notorious as his boxing career. He was convicted of raping a Miss Black America contestant and sentenced to three years in prison. During his time behind bars, Tyson converted to Islam, adopting the name Malik Abdul Aziz. Shortly after his release, he faced legal issues again for a bar fight.

One of Tyson's most infamous incidents occurred in the ring when he bit off a piece of his opponent Evander Holyfield’s ear during their 1997 rematch. Tyson was disqualified, banned from boxing for two years, and received a lifetime ban in Ohio. He returned to the ring in 1999.

Over his career, Tyson fought 56 times, winning 50 matches—44 by knockout. Despite earning over $300 million throughout his career, he filed for bankruptcy in 2003, reporting debts of $23 million. Tyson officially retired from boxing in 2005.

Return to the Ring

After a 15-year hiatus, Tyson made a comeback in 2020. On November 16, 2024, he is set to face Jake Paul in what is being billed as the most expensive boxing match in history. The legendary boxer is ready to step back into the ring and make headlines once again.