Career Timeline of Mike Tyson: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Mike Tyson made an impact.

Mike Tyson, an American former professional boxer, is considered one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time. Known as "Iron Mike," he became the youngest heavyweight champion at 20 years old. Tyson unified the WBA, WBC, and IBF titles, marking a significant achievement. He was known for his aggressive fighting style and knockout power, winning his first 19 professional fights by knockout. A notable upset occurred when he lost the undisputed heavyweight championship to Buster Douglas in 1990.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1981: Junior Olympic Games Gold Medal

In 1981, Mike Tyson won a gold medal at the Junior Olympic Games, marking an early achievement in his amateur boxing career.

1982: Second Junior Olympic Games Gold Medal

In 1982, Mike Tyson secured his second gold medal at the Junior Olympic Games, further demonstrating his potential in amateur boxing.

1984: Olympic Gold Medal

In 1984, Henry Tillman won Olympic gold medal. Tyson's victory over Tillman enabled Tyson to avenge his amateur losses at Tillman's hands.

1984: Tyson Spars with Lewis

In 1984, Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis sparred at a training camp, arranged by Cus D'Amato.

1984: Golden Gloves and Olympic Games

In 1984, Mike Tyson won the gold medal at the National Golden Gloves in New York. Also in 1984 he lost twice against Henry Tillman.

March 6, 1985: Professional Debut

On March 6, 1985, Mike Tyson made his professional boxing debut in Albany, New York, defeating Hector Mercedes via first-round TKO.

1985: Michael Spinks defeats Larry Holmes

In 1985, Michael Spinks had taken the heavyweight championship from Larry Holmes via fifteen-round decision.

1985: Professional Boxing Debut

In 1985, Mike Tyson began his professional boxing career, marking the start of his journey to becoming a heavyweight champion.

February 16, 1986: First Nationally Televised Bout

On February 16, 1986, Mike Tyson had his first nationally televised bout against Jesse Ferguson. Tyson won after initially being ruled a DQ which was later adjusted to TKO.

November 22, 1986: Wins WBC Heavyweight Championship

On November 22, 1986, Mike Tyson won his first title fight against Trevor Berbick for the WBC heavyweight championship, becoming the youngest heavyweight champion in history.

1986: Fight against José Ribalta

In 1986, Mike Tyson was booked to fight José Ribalta at the Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino. Tyson knocked down Ribalta three times, and won, but Tyson said Ribalta was his toughest fight.

March 7, 1987: Title Defense Against James Smith

On March 7, 1987, Mike Tyson defended his title against James Smith, winning by unanimous decision and adding Smith's WBA title to his collection.

1987: Addition of WBA and IBF Titles

In 1987, Mike Tyson added the WBA and IBF titles to his WBC title, solidifying his status as a dominant force in boxing.

1987: Undisputed World Heavyweight Champion

In 1987, Mike Tyson became the undisputed world heavyweight champion, solidifying his place as a dominant force in boxing.

1987: Featured in Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!!

In 1987, Mike Tyson was featured as the final boss in the NES video game Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!!

January 22, 1988: Defeats Larry Holmes

On January 22, 1988, Mike Tyson faced Larry Holmes and defeated the former champion by KO in the fourth round, marking a significant victory.

June 27, 1988: Defeats Michael Spinks

On June 27, 1988, Mike Tyson faced Michael Spinks, knocking him out in 91 seconds, marking the pinnacle of Tyson's fame and boxing ability.

1989: Bruno and Williams Fights

In 1989, Mike Tyson faced Frank Bruno in February, and won after the fifth round. Then Tyson knocked out Carl "The Truth" Williams in the first round in July.

February 11, 1990: Loss to Buster Douglas

On February 11, 1990, Mike Tyson lost the undisputed championship to Buster Douglas in Tokyo, marking a significant upset in boxing history.

1990: Loss of Undisputed Heavyweight Championship

In 1990, Mike Tyson lost the undisputed heavyweight championship to Buster Douglas in a major upset, ending his reign.

March 18, 1991: Tyson vs. Ruddock Fight and Controversial Decision

On March 18, 1991, Mike Tyson faced Donovan "Razor" Ruddock in Las Vegas. The fight was stopped in the seventh round by referee Richard Steele, awarding Tyson a controversial victory, sparking outrage among fans.

November 8, 1991: Tyson-Holyfield Fight Cancelled Due to Injury

On November 8, 1991, the scheduled fight between Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield for the undisputed championship at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas was cancelled due to a rib cartilage injury sustained by Tyson during training.

1995: Release of the Film Tyson

In 1995, the film Tyson was released, directed by Uli Edel, exploring Mike Tyson's life from Cus D'Amato's death to his rape conviction; Tyson is played by Michael Jai White.

March 1996: Tyson Regains WBC Title Against Frank Bruno

In March 1996, Mike Tyson regained the WBC title by defeating Frank Bruno via a third-round knockout, marking another milestone in his boxing career.

November 9, 1996: Holyfield Defeats Tyson by TKO

On November 9, 1996, Evander Holyfield defeated Mike Tyson by TKO in the eleventh round, despite being the underdog, in a fight marred by Tyson's camp alleging Holyfield's frequent headbutts.

1996: Regaining WBA and WBC Titles

In 1996, Mike Tyson regained the WBA and WBC titles, joining a select group of boxers who reclaimed a heavyweight championship after losing it.

June 28, 1997: Tyson vs Holyfield Rematch

On June 28, 1997, the rematch between Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield took place. The fight was a lucrative event, grossing $100 million and setting record purses for both fighters.

October 18, 1998: Tyson's Boxing License Restored

On October 18, 1998, the Nevada State Athletic Commission voted to restore Mike Tyson's boxing license, allowing him to resume his career.

1998: Tyson's WrestleMania Appearance

In 1998, Mike Tyson made a guest appearance at WrestleMania XIV as an enforcer for the main event match between Shawn Michaels and Steve Austin and was also an unofficial member of D-Generation X, earning $3 million.

January 1999: Tyson's Return Fight Against Francois Botha

In January 1999, Mike Tyson returned to the ring to fight Francois Botha, winning by a knockout in the fifth round in a controversial fight. He also launched an expletive-laden tirade on WWOR-TV.

October 23, 1999: Tyson Fights Orlin Norris

On October 23, 1999, Mike Tyson fought Orlin Norris, which was ruled a no contest after Tyson knocked down Norris after the bell, resulting in Norris injuring his knee.

June 2000: Tyson Defeats Lou Savarese

In June 2000, Mike Tyson defeated Lou Savarese in Glasgow in just 38 seconds, but continued punching after the referee stopped the fight, knocking the referee to the floor. Tyson then called out Lennox Lewis.

2001: Tyson Beats Brian Nielsen

In 2001, Mike Tyson fought only once, beating Brian Nielsen in Copenhagen by TKO in the seventh round, continuing his boxing career.

January 22, 2002: Tyson and Lewis Brawl at Press Conference

On January 22, 2002, Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis, along with their entourages, were involved in a brawl at a New York press conference promoting their planned fight.

2002: Loss to Lennox Lewis

In 2002, Mike Tyson fought for the world heavyweight title but lost by knockout to Lennox Lewis, marking another significant defeat in his career.

2002: Tyson Seeks Heavyweight Championship Fight with Lewis

In 2002, Mike Tyson sought an opportunity to fight Lennox Lewis for the heavyweight championship titles, but was initially denied a boxing license in Nevada due to sexual assault charges.

February 22, 2003: Tyson Defeats Clifford Etienne

On February 22, 2003, Mike Tyson defeated Clifford Etienne in 49 seconds, marking his final professional victory. The pre-fight was marred by rumors of Tyson's partying and a new facial tattoo.

August 13, 2003: Tyson Confronts Bob Sapp

On August 13, 2003, Mike Tyson had a face-to-face confrontation with K-1 fighter Bob Sapp after Sapp's win in Las Vegas, but the fight never materialized due to Tyson's visa issues.

July 30, 2004: Tyson Loses to Danny Williams

On July 30, 2004, Mike Tyson lost to Danny Williams via KO in Louisville, Kentucky. Tyson's manager claimed Tyson tore a ligament in his knee in the first round.

June 11, 2005: Tyson Quits Against Kevin McBride

On June 11, 2005, Mike Tyson quit before the start of the seventh round in a bout against Kevin McBride, later stating he fought for a payday and had lost his passion for boxing.

2006: Cameo in Rocky Balboa

In 2006, Mike Tyson appeared as himself in a cameo role in the film Rocky Balboa.

2006: Tyson's World Tour Begins

In 2006, Mike Tyson returned to the ring for a four-round exhibition against Corey Sanders in Youngstown, Ohio, marking the start of his "Tyson's World Tour" to alleviate debt. Tyson's exhibition was poorly received, leading to the cancellation of the tour.

2008: Premiere of Documentary Tyson

In 2008, the documentary Tyson premiered at the annual Cannes Film Festival in France.

March 2011: Appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show

In March 2011, Mike Tyson appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show to discuss his new reality series and improvements in his life, including sobriety and a vegan diet.

August 2012: Broadway Debut

In August 2012, Mike Tyson collaborated with Spike Lee and brought his one-man show to Broadway.

October 2012: Launch of Mike Tyson Cares Foundation

In October 2012, Mike Tyson launched the Mike Tyson Cares Foundation, aimed at providing innovative centers to support kids from broken homes.

February 2013: National Tour of One-Man Show

In February 2013, Mike Tyson took his one-man show Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth on a 36-city national tour.

August 2013: Formation of Iron Mike Productions

In August 2013, Mike Tyson teamed up with Acquinity Sports to form Iron Mike Productions, a boxing promotions company.

November 16, 2013: HBO Airing of One-Man Show

On November 16, 2013, Mike Tyson's one-man show was aired on HBO.

2013: Appearance on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

In 2013, Mike Tyson appeared in an episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit as a survivor of child abuse awaiting execution for murder.

October 27, 2014: Premiere of Mike Tyson Mysteries

On October 27, 2014, Mike Tyson Mysteries started airing on Adult Swim, featuring Tyson voicing a fictionalized version of himself solving mysteries.

2014: The Ring Magazine Interview

In 2014, Mike Tyson reflected on his strongest opponents in various categories for an interview with The Ring magazine.

March 2015: Featured on Madonna's Album

In early March 2015, Mike Tyson was featured on the track "Iconic" on Madonna's album Rebel Heart.

March 2015: Announcement of Tyson's Role in Ip Man 3

In late March 2015, it was announced that Mike Tyson would join the cast of Ip Man 3 as Frank, an American property developer and proficient boxer.

March 25, 2015: Start of Filming Ip Man 3

On March 25, 2015, principal photography began for Ip Man 3, featuring Donnie Yen and Mike Tyson as Frank.

December 16, 2015: Premiere of Ip Man 3

On December 16, 2015, Ip Man 3 premiered in Hong Kong, featuring Donnie Yen and Mike Tyson.

August 2016: Filming of Girls 2: Girls vs Gangsters

From July to August 2016, Mike Tyson participated in the shooting of Girls 2: Girls vs Gangsters at various locations around Vietnam.

January 2017: Launch of YouTube Channel

In January 2017, Mike Tyson launched his YouTube channel with Shots Studios, featuring comedy videos and sketches.

October 2017: Ultra Tune Advertisement

In October 2017, Mike Tyson was announced as the new face of Ultra Tune, an Australian car servicing franchise.

January 2018: Ultra Tune Ad Airs

In January 2018, the first Ultra Tune ad featuring Mike Tyson aired during the Australian Open, receiving criticism for being "a little sexist."

March 2018: Release of Girls 2: Girls vs Gangsters

In March 2018, the film Girls 2: Girls vs Gangsters, featuring Mike Tyson as "Dragon", was released.

May 12, 2020: Hints at Boxing Return

On May 12, 2020, Mike Tyson posted a video on Instagram of him training again, hinting at a return to boxing by saying, "I'm back".

July 2020: Mike Tyson Announces Legends Only League

In July 2020, Mike Tyson announced the creation of Mike Tyson's Legends Only League, in partnership with Sophie Watts and Eros Innovations, providing retired athletes the opportunity to compete.

July 2020: Tyson Signs Contract to Fight Roy Jones Jr.

In July 2020, Mike Tyson signed a contract to face Roy Jones Jr. in an eight-round exhibition fight. Rafael Cordeiro was selected as Tyson's trainer.

October 2020: Release of Dance Music Single

In October 2020, Tiki Lau released a dance music single, "Mike Tyson", which includes vocals from Tyson.

November 28, 2020: Legends Only League's First Event

On November 28, 2020, Mike Tyson fought Roy Jones Jr. at the Staples Center in the first event produced under Legends Only League. The event was a success and received positive reviews.

March 2021: Announcement of Scripted Series Tyson

In March 2021, it was announced that Jamie Foxx would star in and executive produce the official scripted series Tyson, directed by Antoine Fuqua and executive produced by Martin Scorsese.

May 25, 2021: Premiere of Documentary Series

On May 25, 2021, a two-part documentary series titled Mike Tyson: The Knockout premiered on ABC.

June 7, 2021: Appearance on Hell's Kitchen

On June 7, 2021, Mike Tyson and his family appeared in the 300th episode of Hell's Kitchen as VIP guests.

2021: Mike's Hard Lemonade Seltzer Ads

In 2021, Mike's Hard Lemonade Seltzer featured ads with Mike Tyson.

August 6, 2022: Tyson's Response to Hulu Series

On August 6, 2022, Mike Tyson criticized Hulu for "stealing my story" with their biographical drama limited series Mike.

March 2024: Tyson Announces Return Against Jake Paul

In March 2024, Mike Tyson announced his return to the ring against Jake Paul in a heavyweight bout scheduled for July 20, 2024, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

April 29, 2024: Tyson-Paul Fight Sanctioned as Professional Match

On April 29, 2024, it was announced that the fight between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul would be sanctioned as a professional boxing match by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations (TDLR).

May 31, 2024: Tyson-Paul Fight Postponed

On May 31, 2024, the fight between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul was announced as postponed per medical advice from Tyson's doctor, allowing him to recover from his ulcer flare-up.

June 7, 2024: Tyson-Paul Fight Rescheduled

On June 7, 2024, it was announced that the fight between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul would take place at the same stadium on November 15, 2024.

November 15, 2024: Rescheduled Fight Against Jake Paul

On November 15, 2024, Mike Tyson's bout against Jake Paul is set to occur at the same stadium, following a postponement due to medical advice.

November 2024: Fight Against Jake Paul

In November 2024, Mike Tyson lost his bout against Jake Paul via unanimous decision, though the fight was the biggest boxing gate in US history outside of Las Vegas.