Mike Tyson is one of the most famous boxers in the world. He is known for his power, speed, and fierce personality inside and outside the boxing ring. Tyson’s life story is full of ups and downs, but he has always remained one of the most interesting sports figures in history.
Let’s take a closer look at his biography, age, lifestyle, and everything else that makes Mike Tyson such an iconic person.
Contents
Mike Tyson Biography Table
Information | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Michael Gerard Tyson |
Nickname | Iron Mike, Kid Dynamite, The Baddest Man on the Planet |
Date of Birth | June 30, 1966 |
Age (as of 2025) | 58 years old |
Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York City, USA |
Nationality | American |
Height | 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 meters) |
Weight (During Career) | Around 220 pounds (100 kg) |
Boxing Style | Orthodox |
Number of Fights | 58 professional fights |
Wins | 50 wins |
Wins by Knockout (KO) | 44 KOs |
Losses | 6 losses |
Draws | 2 |
World Titles | Undisputed Heavyweight Champion |
Retirement | 2005 |
Early Life
Mike Tyson was born on June 30, 1966, in Brooklyn, New York. He grew up in a tough neighborhood and had a difficult childhood. His father left when he was very young, and his mother struggled to raise him and his siblings.
Tyson often got into trouble as a child. By the age of 13, he had been arrested many times. However, his life started to change when he was sent to a reform school. There, his boxing talent was discovered.
Meeting Cus D’Amato
At the age of 14, Mike Tyson met Cus D’Amato, a famous boxing trainer. Cus saw great potential in Tyson and became a father figure to him. He trained Tyson, gave him discipline, and helped him stay focused.
Cus D’Amato believed Tyson could become the youngest heavyweight champion ever — and he was right.
Boxing Career
Mike Tyson began his professional boxing career in 1985 when he was just 18 years old. He quickly became known for his explosive power and ability to knock out opponents in the first round.
Becoming the Champion
In 1986, at the age of 20, Tyson made history by becoming the youngest heavyweight boxing champion ever. He won the title by defeating Trevor Berbick in a match that lasted only two rounds.
Tyson then went on to unify the heavyweight division. That means he held all the major boxing belts at the same time — a rare and amazing achievement.
Famous Fights
Here are some of Tyson’s most famous matches:
- vs. Trevor Berbick (1986) – Won the WBC title, became the youngest champion.
- vs. Larry Holmes (1988) – Knocked out the former champion.
- vs. Michael Spinks (1988) – Knocked out Spinks in just 91 seconds.
- vs. Buster Douglas (1990) – Tyson lost in a major upset in Japan.
- vs. Evander Holyfield (1996 & 1997) – Lost both fights; the second one became infamous because Tyson bit Holyfield’s ear.
Style and Power
Tyson’s fighting style was aggressive. He would often rush at his opponents and try to finish the fight early. He had fast hands and strong punches. His knockouts were quick and brutal, earning him nicknames like “Kid Dynamite” and “The Baddest Man on the Planet.”
Personal Life
Tyson’s personal life has had many ups and downs. He has been in the news not only for boxing but also for legal problems, relationships, and other personal matters.
Legal Issues and Prison Time
In 1992, Mike Tyson was convicted of a serious crime and spent three years in prison. This was a low point in his life and career, but he returned to boxing after his release.
Marriages and Children
Tyson has been married three times and has several children. His third wife, Lakiha Spicer, has been with him since 2009. He has spoken openly about the pain of losing his daughter, Exodus, in a tragic accident in 2009.
Later Years and Retirement
Mike Tyson retired from boxing in 2005 after a loss to Kevin McBride. After retirement, he went through some hard times. He struggled with money, addiction, and mental health.
But in the last decade, Tyson has made a strong comeback — not in the boxing ring, but in life.
Life After Boxing
Acting and TV
Tyson became a pop culture icon. He appeared in movies like The Hangover, and even had his own cartoon show called Mike Tyson Mysteries. People loved seeing his funny side, and he showed he could laugh at himself.
Podcast and Media Work
In 2020, Tyson started his podcast, Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson, where he interviews celebrities, athletes, and thinkers. His calm and thoughtful side surprised many fans. He talks about life, success, failure, and self-growth.
Business Ventures
Tyson has started a legal cannabis company called Tyson 2.0. It sells marijuana products in states where it is legal. This business has helped Tyson earn a lot of money after facing bankruptcy earlier in life.
Comeback Fight in 2020
In 2020, at age 54, Tyson returned to the ring for an exhibition match against fellow legend Roy Jones Jr. The fight ended in a draw, but fans were amazed by Tyson’s fitness and skills at his age.
He showed that even though he’s older, he still has the heart of a fighter.
Lifestyle Today
Today, Mike Tyson lives a quieter life. He stays healthy by exercising and eating well. He practices meditation and has spoken about using natural medicine to help with his mental health and healing.
Tyson is also active on social media, where he shares thoughts about life and sometimes posts funny videos.
Despite his tough image, many people now see a kinder and wiser Tyson. He often says he has found peace after many years of struggle.
Interesting Facts About Mike Tyson
- Tyson had a pet tiger when he was younger.
- He once spent over $400 million during his career — but later went bankrupt.
- He was inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame in 2011.
- He loves pigeons and has kept them since he was a child.
- His autobiography is called Undisputed Truth.
Legacy
Mike Tyson will always be remembered as one of the greatest heavyweight boxers in history. He was a champion, a warrior, and a powerful figure in the world of sports. His journey from a troubled youth to a world champion, then to a person seeking peace and growth, is inspiring to many.
Tyson’s story shows that even after failure or pain, people can change and grow. He once said:
“Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.”
That quote shows how real and raw Tyson is — both as a fighter and a person.
Conclusion
Mike Tyson is much more than a boxer. He is a man who has lived many lives in one. From the streets of Brooklyn to the top of the boxing world, from prison to peace, his journey is full of lessons about strength, pain, and redemption.
At 58 years old, Tyson is still making a difference — not with his fists, but with his voice and experience. Whether you’re a boxing fan or not, there’s no denying that Mike Tyson is a true legend.