Mike Tyson: The Youngest Heavyweight Champion in History

Mike Tyson is a former professional boxer who competed from 1985 to 2005. He is regarded as one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time and became the youngest heavyweight champion in history at age 20. He was known for his ferocious and intimidating boxing style as well as his controversial behavior inside and outside the ring.

Field	Information
Full Name	Mike Tyson
Profession	Heavyweight Boxer
Birthday	June 30, 1966
Birth place	Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Birth sign	Cancer
Height	5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
Weight	About 218 pounds (99 kg)
Age	57 (as of July 2023)
Family members	Seven children; married three times
Net worth	$3 million (as of 2020)
Nationality	American
Movies	The Hangover (2009), Ip Man 3 (2015), The Hangover Part II (2011), etc.

Mike Tyson’s Birth Place and Early Life

Mike Tyson was born on June 30, 1966, in Brooklyn, New York, U.S… He was the youngest of three children of Lorna Mae Smith and Jimmy Kirkpatrick. His father abandoned the family when Mike was two years old, and his mother struggled to raise him and his siblings in a poor and violent neighborhood. Mike was often bullied and harassed by other kids, and he developed a reputation for fighting back. He also had a speech impediment that made him stutter, which added to his insecurity and anger.

Mike’s life changed when he met Cus D’Amato, a legendary boxing trainer who saw potential in him. D’Amato became Mike’s legal guardian after his mother died when he was 16, and he taught him the skills and discipline of boxing. D’Amato also helped Mike overcome his stuttering by making him read books and recite poetry. Mike developed a close bond with D’Amato, who became his mentor and father figure.

Mike Tyson’s Education

Mike Tyson did not receive much formal education as a child. He dropped out of high school in the tenth grade, and he later admitted that he was illiterate until he was in his twenties. He spent most of his time in juvenile detention centers, where he learned how to fight and survive on the streets.

However, Mike Tyson did not give up on learning. He enrolled in a GED program and earned his high school equivalency diploma in 1989. He also became an avid reader of history, philosophy, religion, and literature. He said that reading helped him cope with his loneliness and depression, and that it gave him a broader perspective on life. He also studied Islam and converted to the faith in 1992.

Mike Tyson’s Distinctive Feature

One of the most distinctive features of Mike Tyson is his facial tattoo. He got the tattoo in 2003, when he was preparing for a comeback fight against Clifford Etienne. The tattoo is a tribal design that covers the left side of his face, from his forehead to his cheekbone. The tattoo artist who did the tattoo said that Mike wanted something that would make him stand out and be remembered.

The tattoo has become a symbol of Mike Tyson’s identity and legacy. Some people see it as a sign of his courage and defiance, while others see it as a mark of his madness and decline. The tattoo has also inspired many fans and admirers to get similar tattoos or wear masks with the same design.

Mike Tyson’s Career

Mike Tyson began his professional boxing career in 1985, when he was 19 years old. He quickly rose to fame with his explosive power and speed, knocking out most of his opponents in the first round. He became the youngest heavyweight champion in history in 1986, when he defeated Trevor Berbick by TKO in the second round. He unified the WBA, WBC, and IBF titles in 1987, becoming the undisputed world heavyweight champion.

Mike Tyson dominated the heavyweight division until 1990, when he suffered his first loss to James “Buster” Douglas by KO in the tenth round. This was considered one of the biggest upsets in sports history, as Douglas was a 42-to-1 underdog. Mike Tyson’s career went downhill from there, as he faced personal and legal troubles that affected his performance and reputation. He was convicted of rape in 1992 and spent three years in prison. He returned to boxing in 1995, but he lost his titles to Evander Holyfield in 1996 and then infamously bit off part of Holyfield’s ear in their rematch in 1997. He was disqualified from the fight and banned from boxing for a year.

Mike Tyson attempted several comebacks in the 2000s, but he failed to regain his former glory. He lost to Lennox Lewis in 2002, Danny Williams in 2004, and Kevin McBride in 2005. He announced his retirement after the last fight, saying that he had lost his passion for boxing. He finished his career with a record of 50 wins (44 by KO), six losses (five by KO), and two no contests.

Mike Tyson is widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time. He is ranked among the best heavyweights by various publications and organizations, such as The Ring magazine, ESPN, and the International Boxing Hall of Fame. He is also known for his cultural impact and popularity, as he has appeared in many movies, TV shows, video games, and documentaries. He has also written two autobiographies, Undisputed Truth and Iron Ambition, which reveal his personal and professional struggles and achievements .

Mike Tyson’s Achievements

Mike Tyson is one of the most accomplished and influential boxers of all time. He has achieved many feats and records in his illustrious career, such as:

He became the youngest heavyweight champion in history at the age of 20, when he defeated Trevor Berbick by TKO in the second round on November 22, 1986.
He was the first heavyweight boxer to simultaneously hold the WBA, WBC and IBF titles, as well as the only heavyweight to unify them in succession. He did so by defeating James Smith, Tony Tucker and Michael Spinks in 1987.
He became the lineal champion when he knocked out Michael Spinks in 91 seconds of the first round on June 27, 1988. This was considered one of the most dominant performances in boxing history.
He won 50 of his 58 professional fights, with 44 wins by knockout. He had a knockout-to-win percentage of 88%, which ranks him among the best punchers of all time.
He was ranked 16th on The Ring magazine’s list of 100 greatest punchers of all time, and first on ESPN’s list of “The Hardest Hitters in Heavyweight History”.
He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame and the World Boxing Hall of Fame in 2011.

Mike Tyson’s Marriages

Mike Tyson has been married three times in his life. His first two marriages ended in divorce, while his third marriage is still going strong. Here are some details about his wives:

Robin Givens: She was an American actress who married Tyson in February 1988. Their marriage was turbulent and short-lived, as Givens accused Tyson of physically abusing her and filed for divorce in October 1989. She also claimed that Tyson was mentally unstable and violent.
Monica Turner: She was a pediatrician who married Tyson in April 1997. They had two children together, Rayna and Amir. Their marriage lasted for six years, until Turner filed for divorce in January 2003. She cited adultery as the reason for their split.
Lakiha Spicer: She is a socialite who married Tyson in June 2009. They have two children together, Milan and Morocco. Their marriage has been stable and supportive, as Spicer helped Tyson overcome his addiction and depression issues. They are still happily married as of 2023.

Mike Tyson is very active on social media platforms, where he has millions of followers and fans. He uses social media to promote his projects, share his opinions, interact with his supporters, and showcase his personality. Some of his social media accounts are:

Twitter: He has over 5.8 million followers on Twitter @MikeTyson, where he posts regularly about his podcast, boxing, comedy, music, and other topics. He also engages with other celebrities and influencers on Twitter.
Instagram: He has over 15 million followers on Instagram @miketyson, where he posts photos and videos of his family, friends, pets, travels, hobbies, and achievements. He also promotes his cannabis business, Tyson Ranch, on Instagram.
Facebook: He has over 7.6 million followers on Facebook @miketyson, where he shares similar content as on Instagram and Twitter. He also posts live videos and stories on Facebook.
YouTube: He has over 1.3 million subscribers on YouTube Mike Tyson, where he uploads episodes of his podcast “Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson”, as well as clips of his interviews, fights, documentaries, and movies.

Mike Tyson’s Net Worth

According to various sources, Mike Tyson’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million as of August 2023. However, this is a fraction of what he used to earn and have in his prime.

Tyson made over $400 million from his boxing career alone, but he lost most of it due to his lavish lifestyle, legal troubles, debts, taxes, and bad investments. He declared bankruptcy in 2003, owing $23 million to creditors.

Tyson has since rebuilt his fortune through various ventures, such as acting, producing, podcasting, writing, cannabis farming, and endorsements. He has also been more careful with his spending and saving habits.

Mike Tyson’s Movies

Mike Tyson has appeared in several movies and TV shows, both as himself and as a character. Some of his most notable roles are:

The Hangover: He played himself in this 2009 comedy film, where he had a cameo as the owner of a pet tiger that was stolen by the main characters. He also performed a rendition of Phil Collins’ song “In the Air Tonight” in the film. He reprised his role in the 2011 sequel, The Hangover Part II.

Ip Man 3: He played Frank, a property developer and street fighter, who challenged Ip Man, the legendary martial arts master, to a fight in this 2015 action film. He had a fierce and intense fight scene with Donnie Yen, who played Ip Man.
Rocky Balboa: He played himself in this 2006 sports drama film, where he attended the exhibition match between Rocky Balboa and Mason Dixon. He also congratulated Rocky on his performance and expressed his respect for him.
Entourage: He played himself in this 2015 comedy film, which was based on the HBO series of the same name.
Champs: He was one of the subjects of this 2014 documentary film, which explored the lives and careers of three legendary boxers: Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, and Bernard Hopkins. The film also examined the social and economic issues that affect the sport of boxing.

Famous Roles Played by Mike Tyson

Mike Tyson is not only a legendary boxer, but also a versatile actor who has appeared in various movies and TV shows. Some of his famous roles are:

Mike Tyson in The Hangover and The Hangover Part II: He played himself in these comedy films, where he had a cameo as the owner of a pet tiger that was stolen by the main characters. He also performed a rendition of Phil Collins’ song “In the Air Tonight” in the first film.
Frank in Ip Man 3: He played a property developer and street fighter, who challenged Ip Man, the legendary martial arts master, to a fight in this action film. He had a fierce and intense fight scene with Donnie Yen, who played Ip Man.
Mike Tyson in Rocky Balboa: He played himself in this sports drama film, where he attended the exhibition match between Rocky Balboa and Mason Dixon. He also congratulated Rocky on his performance and expressed his respect for him.
Mike Tyson in Entourage: He played himself in this comedy film, which was based on the HBO series of the same name. He appeared as one of the celebrities who attended the premiere of Vincent Chase’s movie “Hyde” at the end of the film.
Mike Tyson in Champs: He was one of the subjects of this documentary film, which explored the lives and careers of three legendary boxers: Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, and Bernard Hopkins. The film also examined the social and economic issues that affect the sport of boxing.

Brands Endorsed by Mike Tyson

Mike Tyson has endorsed several brands and products throughout his career, such as:

+Bands: This is a fitness brand that sells resistance bands and other workout equipment. Tyson is one of their ambassadors and promotes their products on his social media accounts.
7Red.com: This is an online casino that offers various games and bonuses. Tyson was their spokesperson and appeared in their commercials and advertisements.
Bitcoin: This is a cryptocurrency that operates on a decentralized network. Tyson launched his own branded Bitcoin ATM machines in 2015, which allowed users to buy and sell Bitcoins with cash.
Black Energy: This is an energy drink that claims to boost performance and vitality. Tyson was their brand ambassador and featured in their campaigns and events.

Viral Stories of Mike Tyson

Mike Tyson has been involved in many viral stories that have captured the attention of the public, such as:

Biting off Evander Holyfield’s ear: This is one of the most infamous incidents in boxing history, where Tyson bit off part of Holyfield’s ear during their rematch in 1997. He was disqualified from the fight and banned from boxing for a year.
Offering a zoo worker $10,000 to let him fight a gorilla: This happened when Tyson visited a zoo with his former wife Robin Givens in 1986. He saw a silverback gorilla bullying other gorillas and wanted to teach it a lesson. He asked a zoo worker to open the cage and let him fight the gorilla, but the worker refused.
Developing a weed ranch: This is one of Tyson’s latest ventures, where he owns a 418-acre cannabis-themed holiday resort based in California. He grows and sells various strains of marijuana, as well as hosts events and festivals at his ranch.
Bribing the police with a Rolls-Royce: This occurred after Tyson had an argument with Givens at Burger King in 1988. Givens took his car but crashed it, injuring a civilian. When the police arrived, Tyson offered them his Rolls-Royce if they let him go without arresting him.
The Tyson-Lewis press conference brawl: This happened before Tyson’s bout with Lennox Lewis in 2002. As Lewis stepped onto the podium, Tyson approached him and threw the first punch, which sparked a major brawl on stage. The fight was caught on camera and broadcasted live.

Scandals of Mike Tyson

Mike Tyson has been involved in many scandals that have tarnished his reputation and image, such as:

Rape conviction: This is one of the most serious charges that Tyson faced, where he was accused of raping 18-year-old Desiree Washington in 1991. He was found guilty and sentenced to six years in prison, although he was released on parole after three years.
Domestic violence: This is another allegation that Tyson faced, where he was accused of physically abusing his former wives Robin Givens and Monica Turner. Givens claimed that Tyson was mentally unstable and violent, while Turner cited adultery as the reason for their divorce.
Drug addiction: This is one of the problems that Tyson struggled with, where he admitted to using cocaine and other substances. He also tested positive for marijuana in 2000, which resulted in his fight with Andrew Golota being declared a no contest.
Bankruptcy: This is one of the consequences that Tyson faced, where he declared bankruptcy in 2003, owing $23 million to creditors. He lost most of his fortune due to his lavish lifestyle, legal troubles, debts, taxes, and bad investments.
Face tattoo: This is one of the decisions that Tyson made, where he got a tribal design tattoo on the left side of his face in 2003. The tattoo was controversial and divisive, as some people saw it as a sign of his courage and defiance, while others saw it as a mark of his madness and decline.

Famous Legal Cases of Mike Tyson

Mike Tyson has been involved in many legal cases that have resulted in lawsuits and settlements, such as:

Mitch Green: This was a former boxer who sued Tyson for $25 million after Tyson punched him in the eye during a street fight in 1988. The case was settled out of court for $45,000 in 1997.
King World Productions: This was a TV company that sued Tyson for $12 million after he backed out of a deal to appear on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 1996. The case was settled out of court for an undisclosed amount in 1998.
Julius Francis: This was a British boxer who sued Tyson for $1.5 million after Tyson failed to pay him for wearing his name on his shorts during their fight in 2000. The case was settled out of court for an undisclosed amount in 2001.
Don King: This was Tyson’s former promoter who sued Tyson for $100 million after Tyson accused him of cheating him out of millions of dollars in 1998. The case was settled out of court for $14 million in 2004.
Wynn Las Vegas: This was a casino that sued Tyson for $1.88 million after he failed to pay his gambling debts in 2009. The case was settled out of court for an undisclosed amount in 2011.

FAQ:

Who is Mike Tyson?

Mike Tyson is an American former professional boxer, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential boxers of all time. He became the youngest heavyweight champion in history at the age of 20, and held the undisputed world heavyweight title from 1987 to 1990. He is also known for his controversial behavior inside and outside the ring, as well as his cultural impact and popularity.

What are Mike Tyson’s nicknames?

Mike Tyson has several nicknames, such as:

Iron Mike: This is his most common nickname, which reflects his strength and power in the ring.
Kid Dynamite: This is another nickname that he earned for his explosive and devastating punches.
The Baddest Man on the Planet: This is a nickname that he was given for his intimidating and dominant presence in the boxing world.

How many children does Mike Tyson have? Mike Tyson has seven children from different relationships, namely:

Mikey Lorna Tyson: She is his eldest daughter, who was born in 1989 to Kimberly Scarborough, a former girlfriend of Tyson.
Rayna Tyson: She is his second daughter, who was born in 1996 to Monica Turner, his second wife.
Amir Tyson: He is his eldest son, who was born in 1997 to Monica Turner, his second wife.
D’Amato Kilrain Tyson: He is his second son, who was born in 2008 to Sol Xochitl, a former girlfriend of Tyson.
Miguel Leon Tyson: He is his third son, who was born in 2009 to Sol Xochitl, a former girlfriend of Tyson.
Milan Tyson: She is his third daughter, who was born in 2009 to Lakiha Spicer, his third and current wife.
Morocco Elijah Tyson: He is his fourth son, who was born in 2011 to Lakiha Spicer, his third and current wife.

How did Mike Tyson’s daughter Exodus die?

Exodus Tyson was Mike Tyson’s fourth daughter, who was born in 2005 to Sol Xochitl, a former girlfriend of Tyson. She died tragically in 2009, when she was four years old. She accidentally strangled herself with a treadmill cord at her home in Phoenix, Arizona. She was found by her seven-year-old brother and rushed to the hospital, but she could not be revived.

What are Mike Tyson’s tattoos?

Mike Tyson has several tattoos on his body, but the most notable one is his facial tattoo. He got the tattoo in 2003, when he was preparing for a comeback fight against Clifford Etienne. The tattoo is a tribal design that covers the left side of his face, from his forehead to his cheekbone. The tattoo artist who did the tattoo said that Mike wanted something that would make him stand out and be remembered.

What are Mike Tyson’s movies?

Mike Tyson has appeared in several movies and TV shows, both as himself and as a character. Some of his most notable roles are:

The Hangover: He played himself in this comedy film, where he had a cameo as the owner of a pet tiger that was stolen by the main characters. He also performed a rendition of Phil Collins’ song “In the Air Tonight” in the film.
Ip Man 3: He played Frank, a property developer and street fighter, who challenged Ip Man, the legendary martial arts master, to a fight in this action film. He had a fierce and intense fight scene with Donnie Yen, who played Ip Man.
Rocky Balboa: He played himself in this sports drama film, where he attended the exhibition match between Rocky Balboa and Mason Dixon. He also congratulated Rocky on his performance and expressed his respect for him.
Entourage: He played himself in this comedy film, which was based on the HBO series of the same name. He appeared as one of the celebrities who attended the premiere of Vincent Chase’s movie “Hyde” at the end of the film.
Champs: He was one of the subjects of this documentary film, which explored the lives and careers of three legendary boxers: Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, and Bernard Hopkins. The film also examined the social and economic issues that affect the sport of boxing.

What are Mike Tyson’s achievements?

Mike Tyson has achieved many feats and records in his illustrious career, such as:

He became the youngest heavyweight champion in history at the age of 20, when he defeated Trevor Berbick by TKO in the second round on November 22, 1986.
He was the first heavyweight boxer to simultaneously hold the WBA, WBC and IBF titles, as well as the only heavyweight to unify them in succession. He did so by defeating James Smith, Tony Tucker and Michael Spinks in 1987.
He became the lineal champion when he knocked out Michael Spinks in 91 seconds of the first round on June 27, 1988. This was considered one of the most dominant performances in boxing history.
He won 50 of his 58 professional fights, with 44 wins by knockout. He had a knockout-to-win percentage of 88%, which ranks him among the best punchers of all time.
He was ranked 16th on The Ring magazine’s list of 100 greatest punchers of all time, and first on ESPN’s list of “The Hardest Hitters in Heavyweight History” .
He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame and the World Boxing Hall of Fame in 2011.

What are Mike Tyson’s controversies?

Mike Tyson has been involved in many controversies that have caused him trouble and criticism, such as:

Biting off Evander Holyfield’s ear: This is one of the most infamous incidents in boxing history, where Tyson bit off part of Holyfield’s ear during their rematch in 1997. He was disqualified from the fight and banned from boxing for a year.
Rape conviction: This is one of the most serious charges that Tyson faced, where he was accused of raping 18-year-old Desiree Washington in 1991. He was found guilty and sentenced to six years in prison, although he was released on parole after three years.
Domestic violence: This is another allegation that Tyson faced, where he was accused of physically abusing his former wives Robin Givens and Monica Turner. Givens claimed that Tyson was mentally unstable and violent, while Turner cited adultery as the reason for their divorce.
Drug addiction: This is one of the problems that Tyson struggled with, where he admitted to using cocaine and other substances. He also tested positive for marijuana in 2000, which resulted in his fight with Andrew Golota being declared a no contest.
Face tattoo: This is one of the decisions that Tyson made, where he got a tribal design tattoo on the left side of his face in 2003. The tattoo was controversial and divisive, as some people saw it as a sign of his courage and defiance, while others saw it as a mark of his madness and decline.

What are Mike Tyson’s hobbies?

Mike Tyson has many hobbies and interests that he enjoys doing, such as:

Reading: He is an avid reader of history, philosophy, religion, and literature. He said that reading helped him cope with his loneliness and depression, and that it gave him a broader perspective on life.
Pigeon racing: He is a passionate pigeon fancier who has been raising and racing pigeons since he was a child. He said that pigeons were his first friends and that they gave him peace and comfort.
Cannabis farming: He is a cannabis enthusiast who owns a cannabis-themed holiday resort based in California. He grows and sells various strains of marijuana, as well as hosts events and festivals at his ranch.
Podcasting: He is a podcaster who hosts his own show called “Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson”, where he interviews celebrities, athletes, comedians, and other guests about various topics.
Comedy: He is a comedian who has performed stand-up comedy and appeared in comedy films and shows. He said that comedy helped him heal from his past traumas and that it made him happy.

What are Mike Tyson’s quotes?

Mike Tyson has said many memorable and inspirational quotes that reflect his personality and philosophy, such as:

“Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.”
“I’m a dreamer. I have to dream and reach for the stars, and if I miss a star then I grab a handful of clouds.”
“I’m not afraid to die. I’m afraid to live a life without meaning.”
“I don’t react to a tragic happening any more. I took so many bad things as a kid and some people think I don’t care about anything. It’s just too hard for me to get emotional. I can’t cry no more.”
“I just want to conquer people and their souls.”