biography of mike tyson

Michael Gerard Tyson, who later earned the moniker "Iron Mike," was born on June 30, 1966 in Brooklyn, New York City. His parents weren't married, and Michael's father Jimmy Kirkpatrick left the family behind when Mike was only 2 years of age. As a troubled youth from humble beginnings, he was often arrested for petty crimes. Big, fast, strong, but untamed, he was sent to the Tryon School in upstate New York, where Bobby Stewart, a social worker and boxing fan, taught Mike how to box.

Tyson took up boxing quickly, proving to be naturally skilled and boasting a big frame -- at 13 he weighed 200 pounds. Stewart saw potential in the boy, and in 1980, put him under the care of Constantine "Cus" D'Amato, a famous trainer of champs. D'Amato became Tyson's legal guardian and mentor in New York's Catskill Mountains.

As an amateur, Tyson was nearly unbeatable. His record was 24-3, which made him a prime candidate for the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. But two losses to Henry Tillman ruined his chance to represent the U.S. After seeing his rival win the heavyweight gold medal, Tyson turned professional.

The 18-year-old Tyson made a spectacular pro debut, winning by knockout in the first round against Hector Mercedes. He finished the year with a stunning 15-0 record, all by KO, setting his sights on the championship. It took less than two years and 27 consecutive wins for him to do that. On November 22, 1986, 20-year-old Tyson let Trevor Berbick stay on his feet until round two. Tyson was crowned the World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight champion, making him the youngest heavyweight champ ever.

One belt was only the beginning. On March 7, 1987, Tyson spent a grueling 12 rounds with World Boxing Association (WBA) champ James "Bonecrusher" Smith, winning by unanimous points. One more belt to go for Iron Mike.

That happened in August, in a bout against Tony Tucker. Again winning on points, Tyson claimed the International Boxing Federation (IBF) belt, and with it, the title of Undisputed Heavyweight Champion. He defended that title fiercely, pummeling the likes of Larry Holmes and Michael Spinks. In the latter fight, he made $20 million, the largest payment for an athlete to date.

With an unprecedented 37-0 pro record -- 33 of those by KO -- Tyson would next be involved in what was then called the greatest upset in boxing history. Outside the ring, there were rumors that Tyson's life was a mess. He was divorcing Robin Givens and his contract was being aggressively taken over by Don King. Also, the champ wasn't up to par in his training. It was in Tokyo, on February 11, 1990, against James "Buster" Douglas, that Tyson was taken down in the 10th round.
Jarred by the new reality, Tyson made a comeback, winning two fights that same year. In 1991, he won two bouts against Canadian tour de force Donovan "Razor" Ruddock. But he was really waiting for his chance to meet new champion Evander Holyfield.
That would have to wait. In February 1992, Tyson was found guilty of raping Miss Black America contestant Desiree Washington. He was sentenced to three years in prison.

Not long after his release, Tyson was ready for a massive return. It was the most anticipated comeback in generations. In August of 1995, Tyson beat Peter McNeeley in a matter of seconds -- 89, to be exact.
His next fight against Buster Mathis Jr. had to be postponed due to a broken thumb, but that hardly fazed the giant. Mathis was on the floor in the third round, unable to withstand Tyson's consecutive rights. In 1996, Tyson regained his WBC title back from Frank Bruno in the third round. Then he reclaimed the WBA from Bruce Seldon, after paying Lennox Lewis to forego a fight.

The wait was over, and on November 9, 1996, Tyson met "The Real Deal," the great Evander Holyfield. Tyson was no match for him, losing in the 11th round with a TKO. Holyfield became three-times world champion that day.

They would fight again less than a year later, on June 28, 1997. It was the highest-sold pay-per-view match, and also the most infamous, reputation-destroying sports moment in recent history. Tyson lost his temper after several head-butts from Holyfield. In the third round, he spat out his gum shield, grabbed Holyfield's head and bit his ear. Referee Mills Lane gave Tyson a stern warning, but he didn't listen. He bit the other ear, tearing off a good chunk of it.

Tyson was fined $3 million, and was banned from boxing for one year.
Tyson came back in January 1999 against South African behemoth Frans Botha. The victory was short lived, as Tyson was later sentenced to prison, serving nine months for assaulting two people after a car crash the year before. Things got more comical when Tyson fought Orlin Norris after his release. Norris, wanting to avoid a royal whoop-ass, faked an ankle injury.

In 2000, Tyson fought three times in Europe. His third, against Andrew Golota, was first a victory, but changed to no-contest after Tyson failed a drug test. The next year he fought only once, knocking out Brian Nielsen in the seventh round.

Tyson's reckless attitude cost him another fight, this time against Lennox Lewis in 2002. Pending sexual assault charges made the Nevada boxing commission think twice about giving him a license. A brawl at a press conference ruined it for good, and the fight took place in Memphis, Tennessee. Alas, Tyson lost in the eighth by KO.

By 2003, Tyson was already a running joke in the media. Tales of his lack of fitness, irresponsible spending followed by bankruptcy, and a new facial tattoo, stripped him of any semblance of dignity he had left. But in February of 2003, he knocked out Clifford Etienne in 49 seconds in round one, again in Memphis. In 2004, Tyson returned to the ring in July, and fought Danny Williams. Tyson was knocked out in the fourth round.
The man amassed a record of 50 wins (44 by KO), 4 losses, and 2 no-contests. Tyson divorced from his second wife, Monica, after she cited adultery. She took their two kids, Rayna and Amir.