Early Life and Education of Mike Tyson: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Mike Tyson, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

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

1959: Father moves to Brooklyn

In 1959, Jimmy Kirkpatrick, Mike Tyson's father, moved to Brooklyn.

1961: Brother's Birth

Around 1961, Mike Tyson's older brother, Rodney, was born.

1965: Half-Brother's Football Integration

In 1965, Mike Tyson's half-brother, Jimmie Lee Kirkpatrick, contributed to the integration of Charlotte high school football.

June 30, 1966: Michael Gerard Tyson Born

On June 30, 1966, Michael Gerard Tyson was born. He later became a renowned professional boxer.

November 1985: Death of Cus D'Amato

In November 1985, Cus D'Amato, Tyson's manager and trainer, passed away, potentially impacting Tyson's career and life.

February 7, 1988: Marriage to Robin Givens

On February 7, 1988, Mike Tyson married actress Robin Givens at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Chicago. Givens was known for her role on the sitcom "Head of the Class" at the time.

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: Honorary Doctorate

In 1989, Mike Tyson was awarded an honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from Central State University.

February 1990: Sister's Death

In February 1990, Mike Tyson's older sister, Denise, passed away from a heart attack at the age of 24.

March 1995: Release from Prison

In March 1995, Mike Tyson was released from prison after serving less than three years of his sentence. During this time he got tattoos of Arthur Ashe, Mao Zedong, and Che Guevara.

1995: Release From Prison

In 1995, Mike Tyson was released from prison after serving time for his conviction on rape charges.

April 19, 1997: Marriage to Monica Turner

On April 19, 1997, Mike Tyson married Monica Turner, who was a pediatric resident at Georgetown University Medical Center.

October 18, 1998: Boxing License Restored

On October 18, 1998, the Nevada Athletic Commission voted to restore Mike Tyson's boxing license, which had been revoked after the Holyfield fight.

January 2002: Monica Turner Files for Divorce

In January 2002, Monica Turner filed for divorce from Mike Tyson, alleging adultery during their five-year marriage.

January 14, 2003: Divorce from Monica Turner Finalized

On January 14, 2003, Mike Tyson's divorce from Monica Turner was finalized. The couple had two children together.

August 2003: Filing for Bankruptcy

In August 2003, Mike Tyson filed for bankruptcy after years of financial struggles, despite earning over $300 million during his career. He reportedly had approximately $23 million in debt.

June 3, 2005: Interview with USA Today

In an interview with USA Today published on June 3, 2005, Mike Tyson expressed feeling like a failure and wanting to escape his life, expressing a desire to become a missionary. He then started tending to pigeons.

May 25, 2009: Daughter Exodus Found Unconscious

On May 25, 2009, Mike Tyson's four-year-old daughter, Exodus, was found unconscious by her brother, tangled in a cord dangling from an exercise treadmill.

May 26, 2009: Death of Daughter Exodus

On May 26, 2009, Mike Tyson's daughter, Exodus, died from injuries sustained after being found tangled in a cord from an exercise treadmill the previous day.

June 6, 2009: Marriage to Lakiha "Kiki" Spicer

On June 6, 2009, eleven days after the death of his daughter, Mike Tyson married his longtime girlfriend Lakiha "Kiki" Spicer in a private ceremony in Las Vegas.

July 2010: First Islamic Pilgrimage Umrah

In July 2010, Mike Tyson first completed the Islamic pilgrimage Umrah.

March 2011: Appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show

In March 2011, Mike Tyson appeared on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" to promote his new Animal Planet reality series, "Taking On Tyson", where he discussed his improved lifestyle, including sober living and a vegan diet.

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August 2013: Admission of Alcoholism Relapse

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

November 2013: Statements on Religion

In November 2013, Mike Tyson stated that the more he looked into churches and mosques for God, the more he saw the devil.

December 2013: Grateful to be a Muslim

In December 2013, Mike Tyson stated in an interview with Fox News that he was very grateful to be a Muslim and that he needed Allah in his life. He also talked about his sobriety progress.

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2015: Support for Donald Trump's Presidential Candidacy

In 2015, Mike Tyson announced his support for Donald Trump's presidential candidacy.

February 2018: Attendance at MMA Tournament in Chelyabinsk

In February 2018, Mike Tyson attended an international mixed martial arts (MMA) tournament held in Chelyabinsk, Russia, and expressed his positive views about the Russian people, noting their kindness and sensitivity.