Who is Mike Tyson? Meet One Of All-Time Best Heavyweight Boxers

Table of Contents

Key Facts About Mike Tyson

He is a former professional boxer.
Michael Gerard Tyson is his full name.
He is worth $10 million right now.
he turned to Islam and took Muslim name.
He was born on June 30, 1966, in Brooklyn.
He’s @miketyson on most social media.
He has seven kids from several women.
He’s an African-American with Jamaican heritage.
He was convicted of rape and jailed for six years.

Who is Mike Tyson?

Mike Tyson, a native of the United States, is a retired professional boxer who has a career that spanned from 1985 until 2005. Mike Tyson, first known as “Iron Mike” and “Kid Dynamite,” and subsequently as “The Baddest Man on the Planet,” is widely acknowledged as one of the sport’s all-time best heavyweight boxers. His full name is Michael Gerard Tyson. He was born in 1966 on June 30. He held the title from 1987 to 1990.

Mike Tyson knocked out his opponents in the first round in 12 of his first 19 professional bouts. Mike Tyson won his first heavyweight title at 20 years, 4 months, and 22 days old. He was the first and only heavyweight to simultaneously hold the WBA, WBC, and IBF titles. Following Mike Tyson’s first-round knockout of Michael Spinks the following year, he was crowned lineal champion. Mike Tyson was knocked out by underdog Buster Douglas in 1990.

Mike Tyson was convicted of rape in 1992 and sentenced to six years in jail, but released after three. After his release in 1995, he fought a series of comeback fights and recovered the WBA and WBC belts in 1996, joining Floyd Patterson, Muhammad Ali, Tim Witherspoon, Evander Holyfield, and George Foreman as the only boxers to do so. Mike Tyson lost the WBA title to Evander Holyfield by eleventh-round stoppage after losing the WBC title.

Mike Tyson was disqualified from their 1997 rematch for biting Evander Holyfield’s ears, one bite removing part of his right ear. Mike Tyson lost the heavyweight title to Lennox Lewis in 2002. Mike Tyson was recognized for his aggressive and threatening boxing style and controversial personality. He was named 16th on The Ring’s list of 100 best punchers and first on ESPN’s list of “The Hardest Hitters in Heavyweight History” Sky Sports called him “the most vicious fighter” He’s in the International and World Boxing Halls of Fame.

It has been widely reported that while Mike Tyson was incarcerated, he converted to Islam and adopted the Muslim name Malik Abdul Aziz. However, some sources report that he adopted a different Islamic name, Malik Shabazz. This is despite the fact that it was widely reported that Mike Tyson converted to Islam and adopted the Muslim name Malik Abdul Aziz. Mike Tyson has acknowledged that he became a Muslim before to entering prison; yet, he has not made any efforts to rectify the disinformation that has been spread about him in the media.

Mike Tyson Early Life

Mike Tyson was born in Brooklyn on June 30, 1966. He was raised in a Catholic household. Besides his late sister Denise, he also had an older brother named Rodney. Mike Tyson’s mother was described as promiscuous and possibly a prostitute. Mike Tyson’s birth certificate lists his biological father as Purcell Tyson from Jamaica, although he grew up knowing Jimmy Kirkpatrick as his father.

Jimmy Kirkpatrick was a notable baseball player in Grier Town, North Carolina (a black area annexed by Charlotte). Jimmie Lee Kirkpatrick, Mike Tyson’s half-brother, integrated Charlotte high school football in 1965. Jimmy Kirkpatrick relocated to Brooklyn in 1959 and met Mike Tyson’s mother Lorna Mae (Smith) Tyson. Jimmy Kirkpatrick drank, gambled, and loitered on the streets. He abandoned the Mike Tyson family around Mike’s birth, leaving his mother to raise the children alone. Jimmy Kirkpatrick passed away in 1992.

Mike Tyson’s family moved from Bedford-Stuyvesant to Brownsville when he was 10 due to financial problems. Cus D’Amato became Mike Tyson’s legal guardian after his mother died when he was 16. Mike Tyson grew up in high-crime areas. His first battle was with a bigger teenager who had killed one of Mike Tyson’s pigeons, according to Details. Mike Tyson committed little offenses and fought individuals who mocked his high-pitched voice and lisp. He had 38 arrests by the time he was 13 years old.

Mike Tyson Education

Mike Tyson attended the Tryon School for Boys, which is located in Johnstown, New York. Bobby Stewart, a counselor at a juvenile detention center and a former boxer, was the one who first saw Mike Tyson’s developing boxing ability at that facility. Before presenting Mike Tyson to Cus D’Amato, Bobby Stewart instructed him in the art of fighting for a period of a few months because he thought Mike Tyson was an exceptional boxer. Mike Tyson left high school when he was a junior and never returned. In 1989, Central State University will bestow upon him an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters. Teddy Atlas occasionally helped Kevin Rooney coach Mike Tyson, despite the fact that Mike Tyson’s trainer, Cus D’Amato, had fired Teddy Atlas when Mike Tyson was 15 years old. Kevin Rooney also trained Mike Tyson. Kevin Rooney ultimately ended up taking up all of the training responsibilities for the young boxer.

Mike Tyson Career

Mike Tyson won gold at the 1981 and 1982 Junior Olympics, defeating Joe Cortez and Kelton Brown. Kelton Brown’s corner gave up early. Mike Tyson beat Jonathan Littles to win the Nation Golden Gloves in 1984. As an amateur, he lost two decisions to Henry Tillman. Henry Tillman won heavyweight gold in 1984. Mike Tyson turned pro at 18 in Albany, New York, on March 6, 1985. He TKO’d Hector Mercedes in round 1. He had 15 pro bouts in his first year. Mike Tyson knocked out or TKO’d 26 of his first 28 opponents, 16 in the first round. James Tillis, David Jaco, Jesse Ferguson, Mitch Green, and Marvis Frazier were among his opponents. Mike Tyson’s win streak made him the next heavyweight champion. Cut D’Amato died in November 1985, early in Mike Tyson’s career, and some believe his death sparked many of Mike Tyson’s problems. Mike Tyson’s first nationally televised fight was against journeyman heavyweight Jesse Ferguson on February 16, 1986 at Houston Field House in Troy, New York. Mike Tyson’s fifth-round uppercut broke Jesse Ferguson’s nose. Jesse Ferguson clinched Mike Tyson in the sixth round to avoid further punishment. The referee stopped the fight in the sixth round after admonishing Jesse Ferguson to box. Mike Tyson won the fight after his opponent was disqualified. Mike Tyson’s corner protested that a DQ win would end his string of knockout victories and that a knockout was inevitable. Mike Tyson fought former world title challenger Marvis Frazier in July on ABC Sports. Mike Tyson won easily, charging Marvis Frazier at the opening bell and knocking him out with an uppercut. Mike Tyson fought Trevor Berbick for the WBC heavyweight title on November 22, 1986. Mike Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion in history at 20 years and 4 months. In 1987, he beat James Smith and Tony Tucker for the WBA and IBF titles. Mike Tyson’s performance was praised. Mike Tyson’s strength, speed, accuracy, coordination, and timing intimidated opponents. Mike Tyson had great defensive skills, holding his hands high in the peek-a-boo style taught by Cus D’Amato to slip under and weave around his opponent’s punches while timing his own. Mike Tyson’s explosive punching technique was due in part to crouching before throwing a hook or uppercut, which allowed the’spring’ of his legs to add power. Right hook to the body followed by a right uppercut to the chin were his signature moves. Combination knocked out Lorenzo Boyd, Jesse Ferguson, and José Ribalta.

Mike Tyson was favored to win the heavyweight unification series, a tournament to crown an undisputed champion. On March 7, 1987 in Las Vegas, Mike Tyson defended his title against James Smith. He added James Smith’s WBA title to his own by unanimous decision. “Tyson-mania” swept the media. He TKO’d Pinklon Thomas in May 1987. On August 1, 1987, he beat Tony Tucker 119–111, 118–113, and 116–112 to win the IBF title. Mike Tyson was the f irst heavyweight to hold WBA, WBC, and IBF belts simultaneously. Mike Tyson beat 1984 Olympic super heavyweight gold medalist Tyrell Biggs by seventh-round TKO in October 1987. Nintendo noticed Mike Tyson during this time. Nintendo of America president Minoru Arakawa was impressed by Mike Tyson’s “power and skill” and suggested he be included in the NES port of Punch Out!! Nintendo’s 1987 Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!! sold over a million copies. Mike Tyson fought three times in 1988. He KO’d Larry Holmes on January 22, 1988. This was Holmes’ only loss in 75 professional fights. In March 1988, Mike Tyson defeated Tony Tubbs in Tokyo, Japan with a second-round TKO. Mike Tyson fought Michael Spinks on June 27, 1988. Michael Spinks won the heavyweight title from Larry Holmes in 1985 via a 15-round decision, but the major boxing organizations did not recognize him as champion. Larry Holmes had given up all but the IBF title, and that was stripped from Michael Spinks after he fought Gerry Cooney (winning by TKO in the fifth round) rather than IBF Number 1 Contender Tony Tucker. Michael Spinks beat Larry Holmes to become the lineal champion, and many (including Ring magazine) considered him the true heavyweight champion. As the richest fight in history, expectations were high. Boxing experts predicted a titanic battle of styles between Mike Tyson’s aggressive infighting and Spinks’s out-boxing and footwork. Mike Tyson knocked out Michael Spinks in 91 seconds, marking the peak of his fame and boxing ability.

Mike Tyson’s off-ring problems began during this time. Don King and Bill Cayton fought over his future contract and his marriage to Robin Givens. Mike Tyson parted with manager Bill Cayton and trainer Kevin Rooney in 1988. Many credit Kevin Rooney with honing Mike Tyson’s craft after D’Amato’s death. After Kevin Rooney left, critics said Mike Tyson showed less head movement and combination punching. Mike Tyson fought only twice in 1989 due to personal problems. In February 1989, he fought Frank Bruno. Frank Bruno stunned Mike Tyson in the first round, but Mike Tyson knocked out Frank Bruno in the fifth. Mike Tyson KO’d Carl “The Truth” Williams in July 1989. By 1990, Mike Tyson’s personal life was in disarray and he was training less vigorously for the Buster Douglas fight. He lost the undisputed title to Buster Douglas in Tokyo on February 11, 1990. The Mirage, the only casino to offer odds, made Mike Tyson a 42/1 favorite. Mike Tyson couldn’t beat Buster Douglas’ 12-inch longer jab. Mike Tyson knocked Buster Douglas down with an uppercut in the eighth round, but Buster Douglas recovered to pummel him in the next two. Mike Tyson’s camp complained after the fight that the count was slow and Buster Douglas took longer than 10 seconds to get up. Buster Douglas knocked Mike Tyson down with an uppercut and four hooks in the tenth round. Referee Octavio Meyran disqualified him. Buster Douglas’ knockout victory over Mike Tyson, the undefeated “baddest man on the planet” and arguably the most feared boxer at the time, has been called one of the most shocking upsets in modern sports history. Mike Tyson said losing to Buster Douglas was the highlight of his career, despite the shock. Mike Tyson rebounded with first-round knockouts of Henry Tillman and Alex Stewart. Mike Tyson’s victory over Henry Tillman avenged his amateur losses to Tillman. These fights set up an elimination match for another shot at Evander Holyfield’s undisputed world heavyweight title, which he’d taken from Buster Douglas. Mike Tyson fought Donovan “Razor” Ruddock in Las Vegas on March 18, 1991. Razor Ruddock was a dangerous and hard-punching heavyweight. Referee Richard Steele stopped the fight in favor of Mike Tyson in the seventh round. This decision infuriated fans, causing a post-fight melee. The referee had to be escorted out. Mike Tyson knocked down Razor Ruddock twice and won a 12-round unanimous decision on June 28, 2003. Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield were scheduled to fight for the undisputed title on November 8, 1991, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Mike Tyson withdrew after suffering a rib cartilage injury during training.

Mike Tyson was arrested in July 1991 for raping 18-year-old Desiree Washington. Mike Tyson’s 1992 rape trial in Marion County lasted 26 days. Mike Tyson’s chauffeur confirmed Desiree Washington’s shock after the incident. The emergency room doctor who examined Desiree Washington more than 24 hours after the incident confirmed her rape. Mike Tyson told lead defense attorney Vincent J. Fuller that everything happened with Desiree Washington’s consent and he didn’t force himself on her. Mike Tyson denied claims that he misled Desiree Washington and insisted she wanted sex. Mike Tyson was convicted of rape in 1992 after a 10-hour jury deliberation. Alan Dershowitz, Mike Tyson’s attorney, appealed the court’s exclusion of evidence of the victim’s past sexual conduct (the Rape Shield Law), the exclusion of three potential defense witnesses, and the lack of a jury instruction on honest and reasonable mistake of fact. Mike Tyson lost his appeal 2–1. Due to a 2–2 split, the Indiana Supreme Court upheld the lower court’s ruling. The Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice recused himself, causing a tie vote. The Chief Justice later revealed he did so after his wife and Alan Dershowitz argued about the case at a Yale Law School reunion. Mike Tyson was sentenced to prison and probation on March 26, 1992. In April 1992, he was sent to the Indiana Youth Center (now Plainfield Correctional Facility) and released in March 1995. Mike Tyson easily beat Peter McNeeley and Buster Mathis Jr. after being paroled. Mike Tyson’s first comeback fight grossed $96 million worldwide, including $63 million on PPV. 1.52 million homes bought the PPV, setting viewership and revenue records. Mike Tyson’s management was criticized for lining up “tomato cans” for his return fight. TV Guide’s 1998 list of the 50 Greatest TV Sports Moments included the Mike Tyson–McNeeley fight. Mike Tyson won the WBC title from Frank Bruno in 1996. Mike Tyson knocked out Bruno in the third round. Lennox Lewis refused $13.5 million to fight Mike Tyson in 1996. Lennox Lewis’ highest fight purse to date. Lennox Lewis accepted $4 million from Don King to step aside and let Mike Tyson fight Bruce Seldon for $30 million. If Mike Tyson beat Bruce Seldon, he would fight Lennox Lewis next. Mike Tyson won the WBA title by knocking out Bruce Seldon in September. Bruce Seldon was mocked for collapsing to Mike Tyson’s punches.

Evander Holyfield was in his fourth comeback fight when Mike Tyson defended the WBA title. After losing to Michael Moorer in 1994, Evander Holyfield retired. Don King and others saw 34-year-old underdog Evander Holyfield as a washed-up fighter. Mike Tyson fought Evander Holyfield in “Finally” on November 9, 1996 in Las Vegas. Evander Holyfield, who was given little chance to win, defeated Mike Tyson by TKO in round 11. Evander Holyfield is the second heavyweight to win three titles. Mike Tyson’s camp accused Evander Holyfield of headbutting frequently during the fight. The accidental headbutts became a point of contention in the rematch. On June 28, 1997, Mike Tyson fought Evander Holyfield again. The Sound and the Fury rematch was held at the same Las Vegas arena as the first fight. It grossed $100 million, drawing more attention than the first fight. Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield were the highest-paid boxers until 2007. The fight was purchased by 1.99 million households, setting a pay-per-view buy rate record until May 5, 2007. Mike Tyson was disqualified from the fight after biting Evander Holyfield on both ears in the third round. Mike Tyson’s first bite stopped the match. Mike Tyson lost two points and the fight resumed. Mike Tyson bit Holyfield again, disqualifying him, and Evander Holyfield won. Evander Holyfield’s right ear was found on the ring floor after the first bite. Mike Tyson later said he was retaliating for Evander Holyfield’s repeated headbutts. In the confusion after the fight ended and the decision was announced, several people were injured. First heavyweight title fight in 50 years to end in disqualification was Mike Tyson Holyfield II. The Nevada boxing commission immediately withheld $3 million from Mike Tyson’s $30-million purse. Mike Tyson apologized to Evander Holyfield two days after the fight and asked not to be permanently banned. Mike Tyson was widely criticized but had defenders. Katherine Dunn criticized Evander Holyfield’s sportsmanship and accused the media of favouring Mike Tyson. The Nevada State Athletic Commission revoked Mike Tyson’s boxing license on July 9, 1997. He was also fined $3 million and ordered to pay the hearing’s legal costs. Most state athletic commissions honor foreign sanctions, so Mike Tyson couldn’t box in the U.S. The commission voted 4-1 on October 18, 1998 to restore Mike Tyson’s boxing license. Mike Tyson made a guest appearance at WrestleMania XIV as an enforcer in 1998. Mike Tyson was an unofficial member of D-Generation X during this time. Mike Tyson earned $3 million as WrestleMania XIV’s guest enforcer.

Mike Tyson fought Francois Botha in January 1999. This match was also marred by controversy. Mike Tyson allegedly tried to break Francois Botha’s arms during a tie-up, and both boxers were warned in the ill-tempered bout. Francois Botha led on all scorecards and mocked Mike Tyson during the fight. Mike Tyson’s fifth-round right hand knocked outFrancois otha. After his return, Mike Tyson stopped using the bob-and-weave defense. Mike Tyson’s expletive-filled interview on Secaucus, New Jersey’s WWOR-TV was cut short by sports anchor Russ Salzberg. Mike Tyson’s legal troubles continued. Mike Tyson was sentenced to a year in prison, a $5,000 fine, two years probation, and 200 hours of community service for assaulting two motorists after a traffic accident on August 31, 1998. He served nine months. On October 23, 1999, he fought Orlin Norris. Mike Tyson knocked down Orlin Norris with an end-of-round left hook. Orlin Norris hurt his knee and couldn’t continue. The fight was a no-contest. Mike Tyson fought three times in 2000. In January, he faced Julius Francis at Manchester’s MEN Arena. Mike Tyson knocked out Julius Francis in four minutes, ending the second round after controversy over his entry. In June 2000, he defeated Lou Savarese in 38 seconds in Glasgow. Mike Tyson continued punching after the referee stopped the fight, knocking him to the floor. Mike Tyson fought Andrew Golota in October and won in round three due to Andrew Golota’s broken cheekbone, concussion, and neck injury. Mike Tyson refused a pre-fight drug test and tested positive for marijuana in a post-fight urine test. Mike Tyson fought once in 2001, knocking out Brian Nielsen in the seventh round. In 2002, Mike Tyson fought for another heavyweight title. Lennox Lewis was WBC, IBF, IBO, and Lineal champion. Cus D’Amato arranged a 1984 sparring session between Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis. Mike Tyson wanted to fight Lennox Lewis in Nevada for a bigger payday, but the Nevada Boxing Commission denied him a license because he was facing possible sexual assault charges. Mike Tyson had insulted Lennox Lewis two years earlier after the Savarese fight. I want your heart and children, he said. The two boxers and their entourages brawled at a New York press conference on January 22, 2002. The Nevada State Athletic Commission refused Mike Tyson’s license a few weeks later, so promoters had to make other plans. Multiple states refused to license Mike Tyson, but he fought on June 8, 2002, in Memphis, Tennessee. Lennox Lewis knocked out Mike Tyson in the eighth round. After the fight, Mike Tyson congratulated Lennox Lewis. At the time, this fight generated $106.9 million from 1.95 million US buys.

Mike Tyson beat Clifford Etienne in 49 seconds in Memphis on February 22, 2003. Mike Tyson’s pre-fight fitness was questioned. Some say he skipped training to party in Las Vegas and get a new tattoo. This was Mike Tyson’s final ring win. Mike Tyson declared bankruptcy in August 2003 after years of financial struggles. Mike Tyson earned $30 million for several fights and $300 million overall. He owed $23 million, according to the media. Mike Tyson fought Bob Sapp in Las Vegas on August 13, 2003, after Bob Sapp beat Kimo Leopoldo. Mike Tyson’s felony history prevented him from getting a visa to Japan, where the fight would have been most profitable. Alternative sites were considered, but the fight never happened. Mike Tyson fought British boxer Danny Williams in Louisville, Kentucky, on July 30, 2004. Mike Tyson won the first two rounds. The third round was even, with Danny Williams landing some clean blows and some illegal ones. Mike Tyson lost in the fourth round. Mike Tyson tore a ligament in his other knee in the first round and was fighting on one leg. This was Mike Tyson’s fifth loss in his career. After the fight, he had ligament surgery. Shelly Finkel said Mike Tyson’s knee injury prevented him from throwing right-hand punches. Mike Tyson stunned the boxing world on June 11, 2005 by quitting before the seventh round against Kevin McBride. In the 2008 documentary Mike Tyson, he said he fought Kevin McBride for a payday, didn’t expect to win, and was tired of boxing. Mike Tyson quit boxing after losing three of his last four fights because he’d lost interest. In 2000, Mike Tyson fired all of his employees and hired new accountants, who showed he started the year $3.3 million in debt but earned $65.7 million. Mike Tyson pleaded guilty to drug possession and DUI in an Arizona court in August 2007. The charges stemmed from his arrest in December, when he admitted to using cocaine and being addicted to it.

Mike Tyson announced Mike Tyson’s World Tour to pay off his debts. Mike Tyson fought Corey Sanders in a four-round exhibition in Youngstown, Ohio, in 2006. Mike Tyson, at 5 ft 10.5 in and 216 pounds, was in good shape but far from his prime against Corey Sanders, who wore headgear. Mike Tyson appeared to be “holding back” to prolong the “show.” After fans rejected the fight, the tour was canceled. Mike Tyson agreed to fight Roy Jones Jr. in an eight-round exhibition in July 2020. Rafael Cordeiro is Mike Tyson’s coach and cornerman. The CSAC-sanctioned bout was originally scheduled for September 12 at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, but was moved to November 28 to maximize revenue. The 8-round fight was a draw. Mike Tyson announced Mike Tyson’s Legends Only League in 2020. Mike Tyson formed the league with Eros Innovations’ Sophie Watts. The league lets retired pros play their sport. Mike Tyson fought Roy Jones Jr. at the Staples Center on November 28, 2020. The event received positive reviews and was 2020’s best-selling PPV, ranking in the Top 10 all-time.

Mike Tyson Ethnicity

Mike Tyson is an African-American with Jamaican roots.

Mike Tyson Parents

Mike Tyson’s mother was known as Lorna Mae (Smith) Tyson, while his father was known as Purcell Tyson, a Jamaican cab driver. Purcell Tyson was described as having a “humble” demeanor. To make matters more confusing, Mike Tyson considers Jimmy Kirkpatrick to be his father. Jimmy Kirkpatrick was the stepfather of Mike Tyson.

Mike Tyson Siblings

Mike Tyson’s older brother is named Rodney, and his older sister was named Denise. Denise passed away in February 1990 at the age of 24 after suffering a heart attack.

Mike Tyson Religion

Mike Tyson became a Muslim while he was in prison. He took the Muslim name Malik Abdul Aziz or Malik Shabazz. However, he has said that he became a Muslim before he went to prison.

Mike Tyson Wife

Mike Tyson has had three marriages. In his first marriage, he was wed to Robin Givens, an actress, from February 7, 1988, till February 14, 1989. Robin Givens filed for divorce from Mike Tyson in 1988. Mike Tyson later married Monica Turner from April 19, 1997 to January 14, 2003. Monica Turner divorced Mike Tyson in 2002, saying he committed adultery throughout their 5-year marriage. Mike Tyson married Lakiha “Kiki” Spicer on June 6, 2009, in a private wedding at the Las Vegas Hilton’s La Bella Wedding Chapel.

Mike Tyson Children

The names of Mike Tyson’s seven children are Miguel Leon Tyson, Rayna Tyson, Exodus Tyson, Mikey Lorna Tyson, Amir Tyson, Morocco Tyson, and Milan Tyson. Morocco Tyson is the youngest of the seven children.