Major Controversies Surrounding Mike Tyson: A Detailed Timeline

Public opinion and media debates around Mike Tyson—discover key moments of controversy.

Mike Tyson, nicknamed "Iron Mike," is a former American professional boxer who competed from 1985 to 2024. He is considered one of the greatest heavyweight boxers ever, reigning as the undisputed world heavyweight champion from 1987 to 1990.

Sections (7)

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

September 1988: 20/20 Interview with Barbara Walters

In September 1988, Robin Givens and Mike Tyson gave a joint interview with Barbara Walters on ABC's "20/20". During the interview, Givens described her life with Tyson as "torture, pure hell" and labeled him as "manic depressive."

February 14, 1989: Separation from Robin Givens

On February 14, 1989, Mike Tyson and Robin Givens officially separated, following Givens' announcement a month earlier that she was seeking a divorce due to alleged abuse.

1989: Accusation by Erinn Cosby

In 1989, Erinn Cosby, daughter of Bill Cosby, publicly accused Mike Tyson of sexually assaulting her, though no charges were filed.

1990: Loss to Buster Douglas

In 1990, Mike Tyson lost the undisputed heavyweight championship to Buster Douglas in what was considered one of boxing's biggest upsets.

March 18, 1991: Controversial Victory Over Donovan Ruddock

On March 18, 1991, Mike Tyson faced Donovan "Razor" Ruddock in Las Vegas. Tyson won after a controversial stoppage by referee Richard Steele in the seventh round. The decision sparked a melee among the audience and Steele had to be escorted from the ring.

July 1991: Arrest for Rape

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

February 10, 1992: Conviction on Rape Charges

On February 10, 1992, Mike Tyson was convicted on rape charges.

March 26, 1992: Sentencing for Rape Conviction

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

1992: Required to Register as Sex Offender

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

1992: Conviction and Imprisonment

In 1992, Mike Tyson was convicted of rape and sentenced to six years in prison.

November 9, 1996: Loss to Evander Holyfield

On November 9, 1996, Mike Tyson fought Evander Holyfield in Las Vegas and lost by TKO in the eleventh round. Holyfield's victory was controversial due to allegations of frequent headbutts during the fight.

June 28, 1997: The Bite Fight

On June 28, 1997, Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield fought in a rematch that became known as "The Sound and the Fury" and grossed $100 million. During the fight, Tyson bit both of Holyfield's ears, resulting in his disqualification.

July 9, 1997: Boxing License Rescinded

On July 9, 1997, the Nevada Athletic Commission rescinded Mike Tyson's boxing license, fined him US$3 million, and ordered him to pay legal costs due to the ear-biting incident in the Holyfield fight.

1997: Disqualification Against Holyfield

In 1997, Mike Tyson's rematch against Evander Holyfield ended with Tyson being disqualified for biting Holyfield's ears.

August 31, 1998: Traffic Accident and Assault

On August 31, 1998, Mike Tyson was involved in a traffic accident which led to him assaulting two motorists.

January 1999: Fight Against Francois Botha

In January 1999, Mike Tyson fought Francois Botha. Tyson allegedly attempted to break Botha's arms during a tie-up. Tyson won by knockout in the fifth round, but his tactics and an expletive-filled tirade on WWOR-TV stirred controversy.

February 5, 1999: Sentenced for Assault

On February 5, 1999, Mike Tyson was sentenced to a year in prison, fined $5,000, and ordered to serve two years probation and 200 hours of community service for assaulting two motorists following a traffic accident.

October 23, 1999: Fight Against Orlin Norris Ruled No Contest

On October 23, 1999, Mike Tyson fought Orlin Norris. Tyson knocked down Norris after the bell, leading to Norris's injury and the bout being ruled a no contest.

January 22, 2002: Brawl at Press Conference with Lennox Lewis

On January 22, 2002, Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis were involved in a brawl at a New York press conference to promote 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 after nearly crashing into a police SUV. He admitted to using drugs and stated he was an addict.

January 22, 2007: Not Guilty Plea to Drug Charges

On January 22, 2007, Mike Tyson pleaded not guilty in Maricopa County Superior Court to felony drug possession, paraphernalia possession, and two misdemeanor counts of driving under the influence of drugs.

August 2007: Guilty Plea for Drug Possession and DUI

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

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 of possession of cocaine and driving under the influence. He was sentenced to 24 hours in jail, three years' probation, and 360 hours of community service.

November 11, 2009: Airport Scuffle Arrest

On November 11, 2009, Mike Tyson was arrested after getting into a scuffle with a photographer at Los Angeles International Airport. No charges were filed.

September 2011: Controversial Comments About Sarah Palin

In September 2011, Mike Tyson made crude and violent comments about former Alaska governor Sarah Palin during an interview, which were later published on The Daily Caller website, leading to criticism from journalist Greta van Susteren.

2013: Admission of Using Wife's Urine for Doping Tests

In 2013, Mike Tyson admitted in his autobiography that he used his then-wife Monica Turner's urine to pass doping tests.

January 2018: First Ultra Tune Ad Airs

In January 2018, Mike Tyson's first television commercial for Ultra Tune aired during the Australian Open, but it was criticized for being "a little sexist."

April 20, 2022: Incident on JetBlue Flight

On April 20, 2022, Mike Tyson repeatedly punched a male passenger who was harassing him on a JetBlue flight from San Francisco to Florida. He did not face criminal charges.

August 6, 2022: Tyson accuses Hulu of stealing his story

On August 6, 2022, Mike Tyson accused Hulu of stealing his story for the biographical drama limited series, Mike. He stated, "Hulu stole my story" and told the service that "I'm not a n****r you can sell on the auction block."

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November 2023: Controversy over Alleged Donation to Israeli Defense Forces

In November 2023, Mike Tyson faced criticism and rumors regarding his alleged donation to the Israeli Defense Forces after he attended an event sponsored by Friends of the IDF (FIDF).