MIKE TYSON: THE FIGHTER’S LEGACY
A true puncher of note, the lightbulb-eating Mike Tyson oozes mystique simply for remaining at the forefront of many boxing conversations decades removed from his peak. His boxing career was littered with spectacular highs and terrible lows, in and outside the ring. A former undisputed heavyweight champion, Tyson is a story of almost superhuman physical skills, brute force, and inner demons.
Early Life and Rising to Fame
Mike Tyson, the road from Brooklyn New York started on June 30, 1966, with a troubled childhood. Tyson grew up in a tough neighborhood and turned to boxing at an early age. Having been introduced to it while he was locked up inside a juvenile detention center. He was a natural talent discovered by the legendary boxing trainer Cus D’Amato, who served as a mentor to him. D’Amato was instrumental in shaping Tyson’s style and turning him into a pro, at the tender age of 18.
Tyson quickly rose to fame, winning his first heavyweight championship in 1986 against Trevor Berbick at just 20 years of age. With his quick twitch muscles, freaky reflexes, and deadly aggression, he was a force to be reckoned with. He went on to dominate the heavyweight division under the moniker ‘Iron Mike,’ etching his name into American pop culture.
Mike Tyson’s Career Record & Achievements
Mike Tyson’s accolades in his boxing career. And once upon a time, he quite the resume, going 50-6 with 2 no contests (44 KOs). Throughout his career Tyson won several impressive knockouts, with most of his biggest coming against the likes of Larry Holmes, Frank Bruno, and Michael Spinks. Most of them have already been there. However, since his 91-second knockout of Spinks is frequently remembered as one of the more vicious episodes in boxing.
Tyson was the youngest man to ever win a heavyweight world title. Becoming the first boxer to hold WBA, WBC and IBF titles at one time. In his prime, however, he became famous for his quick finishes as the majority of his wins came within the first couple of rounds.
THE BAD: PRISON AND CONTROVERSIES
Tyson, above, has battled to the top early in life but his personal life soon went wayward Tyson was convicted of rape in 1992 and served three years in prison. It greatly blemished his reputation and came near the peak of his boxing prowess.
When Tyson returned to the ring in 1995 fresh from his stint behind bars, there was huge anticipation. However, his career never quite reached the same heights again. Even though he recaptured the WBA and WBC heavyweight crowns. Tyson faced many adversities with guys like Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis.
Tyson actually had other controversial moments in his career, with perhaps the most infamous coming during a 1997 rematch against Holyfield. There Tyson bit part of Holyfield’s ear off, leading to Tyson being disqualified. It is still one of the most controversial moments in the history of this sport.
Retirement and after-boxing career
After several losses including his final match which he lost to Kevin McBride, Tyson retired from professional boxing in 2005. Certain twists were taken by Tyson in his life after retiring. He faced some financial troubles and filed for bankruptcy in 2003, after having earned over $300 million throughout his career.
After he skipped, Tyson sought to get his life back on track in the years that followed. He’s had small roles in a handful of movies. Most notably an uncredited person shouting “Paging Dr. Faggot” during one scene in the first “Hangover” film, and has been embraced on social media. PodcastHotboxin with Mike Tyson. Tyson also started a podcast called *Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson* in which he talks about his boxing career and personal growth.
Recent Comeback & Exhibitions
Tyson came out of retirement in 2020 to fight an exhibition against former champion Roy Jones Jr. The now 54-year-old heavyweight has no plans to stop just yet. While the fight was an eight-round exhibition with no official outcome. Tyson proved he still has the speed and power that helped earn him his reputation as a boxing great. Tyson’s performance may have been an exhibition, but it spurred at least some interest in future bouts.
Tyson’s fight was considered an exhibition. It didn’t count on his official record but the fact that he stepped back into the ring after 15-plus years in retirement or exhibition bout was a feat of endurance and passion for the sport. Speculation has surrounded Tyson’s next move to compete in the ring even more exhibitions, although nothing has been confirmed.
Tyson Married Life & Relationships
After a storied boxing career, Tyson has led an interesting personal life that includes multiple marriages and problems with the law as well as financial ruin. He has been married three times and is the father of eight children. His marriage to actress Robin Givens in 1988 was precarious and unhappily wedded, resulting one year:Ended the troubled & stormy/rock/war of his first marital experience. In 1997, Tyson married Monica Turner: The marriage lasted until 2003 when they divorced.
The former heavyweight champion married his current wife, Lakiha Spicer, in 2009, and it looks like the duo has a strong relationship. In the last few years, Tyson has said that he wants to focus on his family and kind of self-help for himself versus when earlier in life where he faced issues.
CURRENT VENTURES AND LIFESTYLE
Tyson is a completely different person today. In the meanwhile, he has co-founded Tyson Ranch, a luxury cannabis brand offering top-tier shatter infused prerolls and cannabis concentrates. He even became a mouthpiece for mental health, revealing his substance abuse issues, depression and anger management problems.
Tyson has turned his podcast into a platform where he demonstrates, with his unique perspectives and past experiences, partnering with him to interview countless individuals that include celebrities, athletes, and intellectual giants. And, for his part, Tyson remains involved in the boxing world as a commentator and even an occasional exhibitition boxer.
