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, 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

June 30, 1966: Michael Gerard Tyson Born

On June 30, 1966, Michael Gerard Tyson was born in Brooklyn, New York, marking the beginning of his life.

November 1985: Death of Cus D'Amato

In November 1985, Cus D'Amato, Mike Tyson's trainer and mentor, passed away, which some believe contributed to Tyson's later troubles.

1985: Fuller Defends Don King

In 1985, Fuller successfully defended Mike Tyson's manager, Don King, against federal tax-evasion charges.

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.

February 1990: Death of Older Sister Denise

In February 1990, Mike Tyson's older sister, Denise, died of a heart attack at age 24, marking a personal loss for Tyson.

1992: Death of Jimmy Kirkpatrick

In 1992, Jimmy Kirkpatrick, the man Mike Tyson knew as his father, passed away.

1995: Release on Parole

In 1995, Mike Tyson was released on parole after serving three years of his prison sentence, paving the way for his return to boxing.

April 19, 1997: Marriage to Monica Turner

On April 19, 1997, Mike Tyson married Monica Turner, marking his second marriage.

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.

January 2002: Turner Files for Divorce

In January 2002, Monica Turner filed for divorce from Mike Tyson, citing adultery as the cause.

January 14, 2003: Divorce from Monica Turner Finalized

On January 14, 2003, Mike Tyson's divorce from Monica Turner was finalized. They had been married since April 19, 1997 and had two children together.

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.

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.

June 6, 2009: Marriage to Lakiha Spicer

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

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.

July 2010: First Islamic Pilgrimage Umrah

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

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.

September 2013: Being: Mike Tyson Television Series

In September 2013, Mike Tyson was featured on a six-episode television series on Fox Sports 1 that documented his personal and private life entitled Being: Mike Tyson.

November 2013: Statements on Religion

In November 2013, Mike Tyson stated that he saw "the devil" when looking into churches and mosques for god.

December 2013: Gratitude for Islam and Sobriety Progress

In December 2013, Mike Tyson expressed gratitude for being a Muslim and discussed his progress with sobriety, attributing it to being in the company of good people.

2015: Support for Donald Trump's Presidential Candidacy

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

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.

December 2022: Second Islamic Pilgrimage Umrah

In December 2022, Mike Tyson went on another Islamic pilgrimage Umrah accompanied by DJ Khaled.

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.