Challenges in the Life of Mike Tyson in a Detailed Timeline

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Mike Tyson. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

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

1988: Personal and Professional Turmoil

In 1988, Mike Tyson's marriage to Robin Givens was deteriorating, and he parted ways with manager Bill Cayton and trainer Kevin Rooney, impacting his career trajectory.

1989: Erinn Cosby's Accusation

In 1989, Erinn Cosby publicly accused Mike Tyson of sexually assaulting her, although no criminal charges were ever sought.

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.

July 1991: Arrest for Rape

In July 1991, Mike Tyson was arrested for the rape of Desiree Washington at the Canterbury Hotel in Indianapolis.

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.

February 10, 1992: Tyson Convicted of Rape

On February 10, 1992, Mike Tyson was convicted of rape and sentenced to prison, marking a significant challenge in his life and career.

March 26, 1992: Sentenced to Prison

On March 26, 1992, Mike Tyson was sentenced to six years in prison along with four years of probation for rape.

April 1992: Assignment to Indiana Youth Center

In April 1992, Mike Tyson was assigned to the Indiana Youth Center (now the Plainfield Correctional Facility).

1992: Registered as Tier II Sex Offender

Due to his conviction, Mike Tyson was required to register as a Tier II sex offender under federal law in 1992.

1992: Conviction and Imprisonment

In 1992, Mike Tyson was convicted of rape and sentenced to six years in prison, marking a significant personal and professional setback.

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.

July 9, 1997: Tyson's Boxing License Rescinded

On July 9, 1997, the Nevada State Athletic Commission rescinded Mike Tyson's boxing license, fined him US$3 million, and ordered him to pay legal costs, effectively preventing him from boxing in the United States.

1997: Disqualification for Biting Holyfield's Ears

In 1997, Mike Tyson was disqualified in a rematch against Evander Holyfield for biting Holyfield's ears, a controversial moment in boxing history.

February 5, 1999: Tyson Sentenced to Imprisonment for Assault

On February 5, 1999, Mike Tyson was sentenced to a year's imprisonment, fined $5,000, and ordered to community service for assaulting two motorists in August 1998.

2000: Tyson Earns $65.7 Million Despite Debt

In 2000, Mike Tyson dismissed his staff and hired new accountants who revealed that he started the year $3.3 million in debt but earned $65.7 million.

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.

August 2003: Tyson Files for Bankruptcy

In August 2003, Mike Tyson filed for bankruptcy after earning over $300 million during his career, reporting approximately $23 million in debt.

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 3, 2005: USA Today Interview

In an interview with USA Today published on June 3, 2005, Mike Tyson expressed feelings of failure and a desire to escape his life, also stating his interest in becoming a missionary.

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.

December 29, 2006: Arrest in Scottsdale, Arizona

On December 29, 2006, Mike Tyson was arrested in Scottsdale, Arizona, on suspicion of DUI and felony drug possession.

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.

August 2007: Tyson Pleads Guilty to Drug Possession and DUI

In August 2007, Mike Tyson pleaded guilty to drug possession and driving under the influence in Arizona, stemming from an arrest in December where he admitted to using cocaine and being addicted to the drug.

September 24, 2007: Guilty Plea to Drug Charges

On September 24, 2007, Mike Tyson pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine and driving under the influence.

November 2007: Conviction and Sentencing

In November 2007, Mike Tyson was convicted on drug charges and sentenced to 24 hours in jail, three years' probation, and 360 hours of community service.

May 25, 2009: Daughter Exodus Found Unconscious

On May 25, 2009, Mike Tyson's four-year-old daughter, Exodus, was found unconscious after getting tangled in a cord.

May 26, 2009: Death of Daughter Exodus

On May 26, 2009, Mike Tyson's daughter Exodus died from injuries sustained the previous day. She was four years old.

August 2013: Admission of Lying About Sobriety

In August 2013, Mike Tyson publicly admitted that he had lied about his sobriety and was on the verge of death from alcoholism.

2023: $5 Million Lawsuit Filed

In 2023, Mike Tyson faced a $5 million lawsuit from a woman accusing him of rape in the early 90s.

May 26, 2024: Tyson Suffers Ulcer Flare-Up

On May 26, 2024, Mike Tyson suffered an ulcer flare-up while aboard a plane.

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.