Michael Gerard Tyson known as Mike Tyson

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22 Feb 2024

Michael Gerard Tyson - Boxing Career and Life Overview:

Early Career and Nicknames:

Born on June 30, 1966, in Brooklyn, New York, Tyson competed as a professional boxer from 1985 to 2005.
Nicknamed "Iron Mike" and "Kid Dynamite" in his early career, later known as "the Baddest Man on the Planet."

Heavyweight Champion (1987-1990):

Regarded as one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time, Tyson held the undisputed world heavyweight champion title from 1987 to 1990.
Won his first 19 professional fights, with 12 knockouts in the first round.
Became the youngest boxer ever to win a heavyweight title at 20 years, 4 months, and 22 days old.
First heavyweight to simultaneously hold the WBA, WBC, and IBF titles, unifying them successively.
Became the lineal champion in 1988 by knocking out Michael Spinks in 91 seconds.

Downfall and Comeback:

Suffered a major upset in 1990 when he was knocked out by Buster Douglas.
In 1992, Tyson was convicted of rape and sentenced to six years in prison, released on parole after three years.
Made a comeback in 1995, regaining the WBA and WBC titles in 1996.

Controversies:

Lost the WBA title to Evander Holyfield in 1996 and was disqualified in their 1997 rematch for biting Holyfield's ears.
Known for his ferocious and intimidating boxing style, inspired by Sonny Liston.

Later Career and Legacy:

Fought for the world heavyweight title in 2002 but lost to Lennox Lewis by knockout.
Retired from professional boxing in 2005.
Ranked 16th on The Ring magazine's list of 100 greatest punchers and first on ESPN's list of "The Hardest Hitters in Heavyweight History."
Inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame and the World Boxing Hall of Fame.

Michael Tyson's career is a mix of incredible achievements, controversies, and a compelling narrative that includes being the undisputed heavyweight champion, facing a legal battle, and making a successful comeback. His ferocious style and impact on the boxing world have left an enduring legacy.

Michael Tyson's Early Life and Amateur Career:

Early Life:

Born in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, New York, on June 30, 1966.
Raised in a challenging environment with financial struggles and a high crime rate.
Tyson's mother, Lorna Mae Tyson, had a troubled personal life, and his biological father was listed as Purcell Tyson, but the man he knew as his father was a pimp named Jimmy Kirkpatrick.
Tyson's family faced financial difficulties, leading to a move to Brownsville when Tyson was 10 years old.
Tyson's early life involved encounters with crime, and he was known for fighting those who mocked him due to his high-pitched voice and lisp.
Arrested 38 times by the age of 13, Tyson was sent to the Tryon School for Boys in Johnstown, New York.
His boxing talent was discovered by counselor and former boxer Bobby Stewart, who introduced him to manager and trainer Cus D'Amato.
Dropped out of high school as a junior but later received an honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from Central State University in 1989.
Tyson's mother passed away when he was 16, leaving him in the care of Cus D'Amato.

Amateur Career:

Tyson excelled in the amateur boxing circuit, winning gold medals at the 1981 and 1982 Junior Olympic Games.
In 1984, he won the gold medal at the Nation Golden Gloves in New York.
Faced Henry Tillman twice as an amateur, losing both bouts. Tillman later won heavyweight gold at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

Professional Career - Early Years:

Tyson made his professional debut on March 6, 1985, at the age of 18, defeating Hector Mercedes via first-round TKO.
Enjoyed a prolific start to his career, winning 26 of his first 28 fights by KO or TKO, with 16 in the first round.
Fought and defeated opponents like James Tillis, David Jaco, Jesse Ferguson, Mitch Green, and Marvis Frazier in his early professional years.
Cus D'Amato, his mentor, passed away in November 1985, marking a turning point in Tyson's life and career.

Post-retirement activities;

After retiring from professional boxing, Mike Tyson has been involved in various ventures and has made efforts to rebuild his life outside the ring.

Acting Career:

Tyson has ventured into acting, making appearances in movies and television shows. Notable roles include his appearance in "The Hangover" film series, where he played a fictionalized version of himself. His unexpected comedic performances gained him popularity among a new generation of fans.

One-Man Show:

In 2012, Tyson debuted his one-man show, "Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth," directed by Spike Lee. The show featured Tyson sharing stories from his life, including details about his boxing career, personal challenges, and controversies. It received positive reviews and was later adapted into an HBO special.

Autobiography - "Undisputed Truth":

Tyson released his autobiography, "Undisputed Truth," in 2013. The book provides a candid and in-depth look at his life, covering his rise to fame, tumultuous personal life, and the challenges he faced both inside and outside the ring. The autobiography was co-written with Larry Sloman.

Boxing Promotion:

Tyson founded the promotional company "Iron Mike Productions" in 2013, aiming to promote and develop young and talented boxers. However, the company faced financial and legal issues and filed for bankruptcy in 2014.

Animated Series:

In 2020, Tyson announced a new venture with an animated television series titled "Mike Tyson Mysteries." The show features Tyson solving mysteries with a team that includes a ghost, his adopted daughter, and a pigeon. It received positive reviews for its unique and comedic approach.

Legends Only League:

In 2020, Tyson launched the "Legends Only League," which aims to provide a platform for legendary athletes to showcase their skills in various sports and competitions. The league is designed for athletes who have retired but still have the desire to compete.

Return to Boxing:

In 2020, Tyson returned to the ring for an exhibition match against fellow former champion Roy Jones Jr. The bout took place on November 28, 2020, and ended in a split draw. Tyson's return generated significant attention and showcased his enduring popularity in the boxing world.

Marijuana Business:

Tyson has been involved in the marijuana industry. He owns a cannabis company called "Tyson Ranch," which focuses on producing high-quality strains of marijuana and related products. The company also aims to advance research on the medical benefits of cannabis.

Personal Life:

Throughout his life, Tyson has faced numerous personal challenges, including legal issues, financial troubles, and turbulent relationships. However, he has been open about his struggles and has worked towards personal growth and redemption.
Mike Tyson's life post-retirement reflects a mix of entertainment, entrepreneurship, and efforts to share his experiences with a wider audience. While his boxing career remains a significant part of his legacy, Tyson's journey beyond the ring has added layers to his public persona.

References;

Lewis, Darren (November 15, 2005). "Mike Tyson Exclusive: No More Mr Bad Ass". The Daily Mirror. Archived from the original on May 27, 2014. Retrieved April 25, 2014.
J, Jenna (August 22, 2013). "Mike Tyson: 'I always thought of myself as a big guy, as a giant, I never thought I was five foot ten'". Doghouse Boxing. Archived from the original on August 26, 2013. Retrieved April 25, 2014.
McIntyre, Jay (September 1, 2014). ""Iron," Mike Tyson – At His Sharpest". Boxingnews24.com. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved September 26, 2014.
Boyd, Todd (2008). African Americans and Popular Culture. Santa Barbara, California: ABC-CLIO. p. 235. ISBN 9780313064081. Archived from the original on June 18, 2013. Retrieved September 12, 2012.
Eisele, Andrew (2007). "50 Greatest Boxers of All-Time". About.com. Archived from the original on July 7, 2011. Retrieved June 17, 2010.
"At only 20 years of age, Mike Tyson became the youngest heavyweight boxing champion of the world". Archived from the original on February 17, 2015. Retrieved March 18, 2016.
""Iron" Mike Tyson". Cyber Boxing Zone. Archived from the original on February 19, 2010. Retrieved November 20, 2016.
Mike Tyson vs Buster Douglas, 1990, archived from the original on May 25, 2021, retrieved May 25, 2021
Holley, David (September 16, 2005). "Tyson a Heavyweight in Chechnya". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on September 2, 2017. Retrieved July 21, 2017.
"Майк Тайсон в гостях у Рамзана Кадырова (видео)" Archived August 28, 2017, at the Wayback Machine (in Russian). NTV. Gazprom-Media. Retrieved July 21, 2017