Biography: Mike Tyson Official Website

With nicknames such as “Iron” Mike, Kid Dynamite, and The Baddest Man on the Planet, it is no surprise that Mike Tyson was one of the greatest and most feared boxers in the sport. Making his professional debut on March 6, 1985, Mike stormed into the boxing world, winning his premier bout by first round knockout—the beginning of many like victories that would ensue during his career. Both the public and the media began to take notice of this rising champion who dominated his opponents in the ring with unparalled brute strength, speed, coordination, and timing.

November 22, 1986 marked the date of Tyson's first title bout against Trevor Berbick for the WBA Heavyweight title. In a 2nd round knockout, Tyson secured an unprecedented record, becoming the youngest heavyweight champion at the age of 20 years and four months. With his unique peek-a-boo style and massive strength, Tyson continued to fight his way to success, boxing with an undefeated record in his first two years.

In the 1980's, “Tyson Mania” swept the boxing world as Mike fought and defeated some of the best heavyweights of the time including James “Bonecrusher” Smith, Pinklon Thomas, and Tyrell Biggs. Most argue that the pinnacle of Tyson's career came with his victory over the then undefeated Michael Spinks, a boxer considered to be Tyson's most legitimate opponent. On August 13, 1987 Tyson took the IBF title from Tony Tucker, becoming the “undisputed heavyweight champion of the world”.

Tyson powerfully reemerged on the boxing scene in 1995 to obtain the WBC title from Frank Bruno in March 1996 as well as claiming the WBA title in September from Bruce Seldon in an astounding 93 seconds. In the late 1990's, Tyson fought Evander Holyfield in the much publicized fight coined as “Sound and the Fury”. In his 20 years of boxing, Tyson had a career record of 50-6 with 44 wins by knockout.

Mike resides in Las Vegas, the city that he helped electrify on so many fight-nights over the past two decades. He is actively involved in his corporate relationships and continues to work on the Tyson brand through various media and business opportunities. A venture that was recently completed is a self-titled documentary that Mike worked on this past year with Academy Award Nominated writer and director James Toback. Mike also enjoys lending his celebrity in working with youth organizations across the country and is offering sound advice to children on how to live upright and healthy lives. Mike himself is working hard at bettering his own life and recently reached 15 months of sobriety. When he's not working Mike spends a majority of his time with his children.

"When Mike Tyson gets mad, you don't need a referee, you need a priest."
Jim Murray