Major Controversies Surrounding Mike Tyson: A Detailed Timeline
Public opinion and media debates around Mike Tyson—discover key moments of controversy.
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.
September 1988: Givens Interview on 20/20
In September 1988, Mike Tyson and Robin Givens gave a joint interview on 20/20, during which Givens described her life with Tyson as "torture" and called him "manic depressive".
February 14, 1989: Official Separation from Givens
On February 14, 1989, Mike Tyson and Robin Givens officially separated, following Givens' earlier announcement of seeking a divorce due to alleged abuse.
1989: Erinn Cosby's Accusation
In 1989, Erinn Cosby publicly accused Mike Tyson of sexually assaulting her, although no criminal charges were ever sought.
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.
July 1991: Arrest for Rape
In July 1991, Mike Tyson was arrested for the rape of Desiree Washington at the Canterbury Hotel in Indianapolis.
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.
March 1995: Release from Prison
In March 1995, Mike Tyson was released from prison after serving less than three years of his six-year sentence.
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.
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.
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.
August 31, 1998: Tyson's Traffic Accident and Assault
On August 31, 1998, Mike Tyson was involved in a traffic accident that led to him assaulting two motorists.
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.
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.
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.
January 2002: Turner Files for Divorce
In January 2002, Monica Turner filed for divorce from Mike Tyson, citing adultery as the cause.
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.
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.
January 22, 2007: Not Guilty Plea
On January 22, 2007, Mike Tyson pleaded not guilty to felony drug possession and DUI charges in Maricopa County Superior Court.
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.
November 11, 2009: Scuffle at LAX Airport
On November 11, 2009, Mike Tyson was arrested after getting into a scuffle with a photographer at Los Angeles International Airport; however, no charges were filed.
September 2011: Controversial Comments About Sarah Palin
In September 2011, Mike Tyson made crude and violent comments about Sarah Palin in an interview, leading to criticism.
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.
2013: Tyson Admits to Using Fake Urine for Drug Tests
In his 2013 autobiography "Undisputed Truth", Mike Tyson admitted to using his wife Monica Turner's urine and his infant's urine to pass doping tests.
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."
April 20, 2022: Incident on JetBlue Flight
On April 20, 2022, Mike Tyson repeatedly punched a male passenger on a JetBlue flight who was harassing him; he did not face criminal charges.
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.
November 2023: Criticism over Alleged Donation to Israeli Defense Forces
In November 2023, Mike Tyson faced criticism and rumors about an alleged donation to the Israeli Defense Forces after attending an event sponsored by Friends of the IDF, leading to a social media backlash.
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.
