Mike Tyson
Rescued from a troubled Brooklyn youth by trainer Cus D'Amato, Tyson turned pro at 18 and demolished opponents with ferocious power. In November 1986 he knocked out Trevor Berbick to become, at age 20, the youngest heavyweight champion in history and a global sensation. He unified the division by 1987.
From Brooklyn Streets
Tyson grew up amid poverty and crime in Brooklyn before being placed in a reform school. There he was discovered by veteran trainer Cus D'Amato, who molded his explosive boxing talent.
Reign of Terror
In the mid-1980s Tyson terrorized the heavyweight division with knockout power and intimidating speed. His unification of the titles made him the most feared fighter on the planet.
Fall and Reinvention
A 1990 upset loss and a prison term derailed his prime years. In later life Tyson reinvented himself as an actor, podcaster, and entrepreneur, returning periodically for exhibition bouts.
Career Timeline
- 1985Makes professional debut with a first-round knockout
- 1986Becomes youngest heavyweight champion at age 20
- 1987Unifies the WBC, WBA, and IBF heavyweight titles
- 1988Knocks out Michael Spinks in 91 seconds
- 1990Loses title in a stunning upset to Buster Douglas
- 1992Convicted and imprisoned, halting his career
- 1995Returns to boxing after release from prison
- 1996Regains a heavyweight title belt
- 2005Retires from professional boxing
- 2011Inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame
Biggest Hits
- Trainer Cus D'Amato became Tyson's legal guardian after meeting the teenager at a reform school.
- Tyson's early-career nickname was 'Iron Mike,' and his ring entrances without socks or a robe became iconic.
Portrait: Glenn Francis (PacificProDigital.com) · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons