Brooklyn's Troubled Youth
Mike Tyson's troublesome childhood in Brownsville, Brooklyn, was marred by petty crimes and street fighting. By age 13, he had been arrested 38 times, foreshadowing the turbulence that would shadow his rise to fame.
Cus D'Amato's Protégé
Legendary boxing trainer Cus D'Amato saw potential in young Tyson and took him under his wing. D'Amato's death in 1985 deeply affected Tyson and is considered a pivotal loss that later impacted his stability and career.
Youngest Heavyweight Champion
At 20, Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion in history. His victory over Trevor Berbick in 1986 for the WBC title was a 2nd-round knockout, showcasing his ferocious boxing style and formidable power.
Undisputed Champion Reign
Tyson's dominance peaked from 1987 to 1990, when he became the undisputed heavyweight champion. He successfully defended his title nine times, often with devastating knockouts that contributed to his fearsome reputation.
Buster Douglas: Upset Defeat
In a shocking upset, Tyson was knocked out by Buster Douglas in 1990. Entering the fight with personal issues and lack of preparation, Tyson's defeat was considered one of the biggest upsets in boxing history.
Conviction and Comeback
Tyson's 1992 rape conviction led to a three-year prison sentence, interrupting his career. Following his release in 1995, he made a comeback, regaining two of his heavyweight titles before facing further setbacks outside the ring.
Legacy Beyond the Ring
Despite retiring in 2005, Tyson's legacy endures through his transformation into a popular cultural figure, with ventures in entertainment and entrepreneurship, including a one-man Broadway show and a cannabis ranch in California.