History of Mike Tyson in Timeline
Michael Gerard Tyson, an American former professional boxer, is considered one of boxing's all-time greats. Known as "Iron Mike" and "The Baddest Man on the Planet," he reigned as the undisputed world heavyweight champion from 1987 to 1990. Tyson is remembered as one of the most intimidating figures in boxing history.
1959: Father Moves to Brooklyn
In 1959, Jimmy Kirkpatrick, Tyson's father, left his family and moved to Brooklyn.
1961: Brother Rodney Born
Around 1961, Mike Tyson's older brother Rodney was born.
1965: Half-brother Integrates Football
In 1965, Tyson's half-brother, Jimmie Lee Kirkpatrick, helped to integrate Charlotte high school football.
June 30, 1966: Michael Gerard Tyson Born
On June 30, 1966, Michael Gerard Tyson was born. He later became a professional boxer.
1981: Junior Olympics Gold Medal
In 1981, Mike Tyson won a gold medal at the Junior Olympic Games, defeating Joe Cortez.
1982: Second Junior Olympics Gold Medal
In 1982, Mike Tyson won another gold medal at the Junior Olympic Games, defeating Kelton Brown.
1984: Sparring with Lennox Lewis
In 1984, Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis sparred at a training camp in a meeting arranged by Cus D'Amato when they were promising fighters.
1984: Nation Golden Gloves Gold Medal
In 1984, Mike Tyson won the gold medal at the Nation Golden Gloves held in New York, beating Jonathan Littles.
1984: Olympic Gold Medal
In 1984, Tyrell Biggs won the gold medal at the Summer Olympics.
1984: Amateur Losses to Henry Tillman
In 1984, prior to his professional career, Mike Tyson suffered amateur losses to Henry Tillman. He would later avenge these losses with a first-round knockout victory over Tillman.
March 6, 1985: Professional Debut
On March 6, 1985, Mike Tyson made his professional boxing debut in Albany, New York, defeating Hector Mercedes via first-round TKO.
November 1985: Cus D'Amato Dies
In November 1985, Cus D'Amato, Tyson's trainer, died. Some speculate that D'Amato's death was a catalyst for many of the troubles Tyson was to experience.
1985: Spinks Defeats Holmes
In 1985, Michael Spinks took the heavyweight championship from Larry Holmes via fifteen-round decision.
1985: Tyson Starts Boxing Career
In 1985, Mike Tyson began his professional boxing career.
1985: Fuller Defended Don King
In 1985, Tyson's future lawyer, Fuller, successfully defended Don King against federal tax-evasion charges, which may have influenced King's decision to have him represent Tyson.
February 16, 1986: First Nationally Televised Bout
On February 16, 1986, Mike Tyson's first nationally televised bout took place against Jesse Ferguson. Tyson won by TKO after breaking Ferguson's nose.
November 22, 1986: First Title Fight
On November 22, 1986, Mike Tyson won his first title fight against Trevor Berbick for the WBC heavyweight championship by TKO in the second round.
1986: The Ring Magazine's Fighter of the Year
In 1986, Mike Tyson was named The Ring magazine's Fighter of the Year.
March 7, 1987: Tyson vs. James Smith
On March 7, 1987, Mike Tyson defended his title against James Smith in Las Vegas, winning by unanimous decision and adding Smith's WBA title to his existing belt.
1987: Tyson Adds WBA and IBF Titles
In 1987, Mike Tyson added the WBA and IBF titles after defeating James Smith and Tony Tucker.
1987: Tyson Becomes Undisputed Champion
In 1987, Mike Tyson became the undisputed world heavyweight champion.
1987: Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!! Release
In 1987, Nintendo released "Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!!" for the Nintendo Entertainment System, a video game featuring Mike Tyson. It sold over a million copies and is considered one of the greatest games of all time.
January 22, 1988: Tyson Defeats Larry Holmes
On January 22, 1988, Mike Tyson defeated Larry Holmes by TKO in the fourth round.
June 27, 1988: Tyson Knocks Out Spinks
On June 27, 1988, Mike Tyson knocked out Michael Spinks in 91 seconds of the first round.
1988: The Ring Magazine's Fighter of the Year
In 1988, Mike Tyson was named The Ring magazine's Fighter of the Year.
1988: Personal Problems
In late 1988, Mike Tyson parted ways with manager Bill Cayton and fired trainer Kevin Rooney. His marriage to Robin Givens was ending in divorce.
1989: Erinn Cosby Accuses Tyson of Sexual Assault
In 1989, Erinn Cosby, the daughter of comedian and actor Bill Cosby, publicly accused Mike Tyson of sexually assaulting her, although no criminal charges were ever sought.
1989: Bruno and Williams Fights
In 1989, Mike Tyson fought Frank Bruno in February and Carl "The Truth" Williams in July, winning both fights.
1989: Tyson awarded honorary doctorate
In 1989, Mike Tyson received an honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio. The university stated that "Mike demonstrates that hard work, determination and perseverance can enable one to overcome any obstacles."
1989: Honorary Doctorate
In 1989, Mike Tyson was awarded an honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from Central State University.
February 11, 1990: Loss to Buster Douglas
On February 11, 1990, Mike Tyson lost his undisputed championship title to Buster Douglas in Tokyo. Despite being a heavy favorite with 42/1 odds, Tyson struggled against Douglas's jab and ultimately was knocked down in the tenth round, marking the first time in Tyson's career he had been counted out.
February 1990: Sister Denise Dies
In February 1990, Mike Tyson's older sister, Denise, died of a heart attack at the age of 24.
1990: Tyson's Reign Ends
In 1990, Mike Tyson lost his undisputed heavyweight championship title.
1990: Tyson Loses to Buster Douglas
In 1990, Mike Tyson lost the undisputed heavyweight championship to Buster Douglas, which was considered a major upset in boxing history.
March 18, 1991: Controversial Victory Against Donovan Ruddock
On March 18, 1991, Mike Tyson faced Donovan 'Razor' Ruddock in Las Vegas. Tyson won the fight due to a controversial stoppage by referee Richard Steele in the seventh round, leading to a melee among the audience and the referee needing to be escorted from the ring.
July 1991: Tyson Arrested for Rape
In July 1991, Mike Tyson was arrested for the rape of 18-year-old Desiree Washington at the Canterbury Hotel in Indianapolis. He was charged with multiple offenses carrying a maximum sentence of 63 years.
November 8, 1991: Tyson-Holyfield Fight Cancelled Due to Injury
On November 8, 1991, a scheduled fight between Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield for the undisputed championship at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas was cancelled. Tyson pulled out of the fight after sustaining a rib cartilage injury during training.
February 10, 1992: Conviction on Rape Charges
On February 10, 1992, Mike Tyson was convicted on rape charges.
March 26, 1992: Tyson Sentenced to Prison
On March 26, 1992, Mike Tyson was sentenced to six years in prison and four years of probation for rape.
April 1992: Tyson Assigned to Indiana Youth Center
In April 1992, Mike Tyson was assigned to the Indiana Youth Center (now the Plainfield Correctional Facility).
1992: Jimmy Kirkpatrick Dies
In 1992, Jimmy Kirkpatrick, the man Mike Tyson knew as his father, passed away.
1992: Tyson Convicted of Rape
In 1992, Mike Tyson was convicted of rape and sentenced to six years in prison.
1992: Tyson Required to Register as Sex Offender
In 1992, due to his conviction, Mike Tyson was required to register as a Tier II sex offender under federal law.
1994: Holyfield Retires and Comeback
In 1994, Evander Holyfield retired from boxing following a championship loss to Michael Moorer, before his subsequent comeback.
March 1995: Tyson Released from Prison
In March 1995, Mike Tyson was released from prison after serving less than three years of his sentence. He left with prison tattoos.
1995: Release From Prison and Comeback Bouts
In 1995, Mike Tyson was released from prison after serving time for rape charges. He subsequently had comeback fights against Peter McNeeley and Buster Mathis Jr., with the first comeback fight marketed as "He's back!" grossing over $96 million worldwide.
1995: Tyson Released on Parole
In 1995, Mike Tyson was released on parole after serving three years in prison.
March 1996: Regaining the WBC Title Against Frank Bruno
In March 1996, Mike Tyson regained the WBC title by defeating Frank Bruno in the second fight between them, knocking Bruno out in the third round.
November 9, 1996: Loss to Evander Holyfield
On November 9, 1996, Mike Tyson faced Evander Holyfield in a title bout in Las Vegas. Holyfield defeated Tyson by TKO in the eleventh round, becoming the second boxer to win a heavyweight championship belt three times. Allegations of Holyfield's headbutts during the fight marred the victory.
1996: Tyson Regains Titles
In 1996, after his release from prison, Mike Tyson regained the WBA and WBC titles.
June 28, 1997: Tyson vs Holyfield Rematch
On June 28, 1997, Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield fought in a highly anticipated rematch called 'The Sound and the Fury' at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The event grossed $100 million, with Tyson receiving $30 million and Holyfield $35 million. The fight had a record 1.99 million pay-per-view buys.
July 9, 1997: Revocation of Boxing License
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.
1997: Tyson Disqualified for Biting Holyfield's Ears
In 1997, Mike Tyson was disqualified in a rematch against Evander Holyfield for biting Holyfield's ears.
August 31, 1998: Assault on Motorists
On August 31, 1998, Mike Tyson assaulted two motorists after a traffic accident, leading to legal problems.
October 18, 1998: Restoration of Boxing License
On October 18, 1998, the Nevada Athletic Commission voted to restore Mike Tyson's boxing license.
1998: WrestleMania XIV Appearance
In 1998, Mike Tyson made a guest appearance at WrestleMania XIV as an enforcer for the main event match between Shawn Michaels and Steve Austin. He was also an unofficial member of D-Generation X, and was paid $3 million for his appearance.
1998: Tyson Ranked Among Greatest Heavyweights
In 1998, The Ring magazine ranked Mike Tyson at number 14 on the list of "The Greatest Heavyweights of All-Time".
1998: Tyson-McNeeley Fight included in TV Guide's list
In 1998, The Tyson–McNeeley fight was included in TV Guide's list of the 50 Greatest TV Sports Moments of All Time.
January 1999: Fight Against Francois Botha
In January 1999, Mike Tyson fought Francois Botha, resulting in controversy. Tyson allegedly attempted to break Botha's arms during a tie-up. He ultimately knocked Botha out in the fifth round. Tyson also launched into an expletive-laden tirade on WWOR-TV, cutting the interview short.
February 5, 1999: Sentenced for Assault
On February 5, 1999, Mike Tyson was sentenced to a year's imprisonment, fined $5,000, and ordered to serve probation and community service for assaulting two motorists.
October 23, 1999: Fight Against Orlin Norris
On October 23, 1999, Mike Tyson fought Orlin Norris after his release from prison. Tyson knocked down Norris after the bell, injuring Norris's knee. The bout was ruled a no contest.
June 2000: Fight Against Lou Savarese
In June 2000, Mike Tyson fought Lou Savarese in Glasgow, winning in the first round in just 38 seconds. Tyson continued punching after the referee stopped the fight, knocking the referee to the floor. Tyson then called out Lennox Lewis.
2001: Fight Against Brian Nielsen
In 2001, Mike Tyson fought Brian Nielsen in Copenhagen, winning by TKO in the seventh round.
January 22, 2002: Brawl at Press Conference
On January 22, 2002, Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis and their entourages were involved in a brawl at a New York press conference to publicize their planned fight.
2002: Tyson Loses to Lennox Lewis
In 2002, Mike Tyson fought for the world heavyweight title but lost to Lennox Lewis by knockout.
2002: Tyson Ranked in The Ring Magazine's List
In 2002, Mike Tyson was ranked at number 72 in The Ring magazine's list of the 80 Best Fighters of the Last 80 Years.
February 22, 2003: Victory Against Clifford Etienne
On February 22, 2003, Mike Tyson beat Clifford Etienne in 49 seconds of the first round in Memphis. Rumors of Tyson's lack of fitness and partying in Las Vegas marred the pre-fight.
August 13, 2003: Confrontation with Bob Sapp
On August 13, 2003, Mike Tyson had a face-to-face confrontation with K-1 fighter Bob Sapp after Sapp's win against Kimo Leopoldo in Las Vegas. A potential fight between them never materialized due to Tyson's felony history preventing him from obtaining a visa to enter Japan.
August 2003: Filing for Bankruptcy
In August 2003, after years of financial struggles, Mike Tyson filed for bankruptcy, despite earning over $300 million during his career and having approximately $23 million in debt at the time.
2003: Tyson Ranked Among Greatest Punchers
In 2003, Mike Tyson was ranked number 16 on The Ring magazine's list of 100 greatest punchers of all time.
July 30, 2004: Tyson vs Danny Williams
On July 30, 2004, Mike Tyson faced Danny Williams in Louisville, Kentucky. Despite dominating the first two rounds, Tyson was defeated by KO in the fourth after Williams landed powerful punches. Tyson's manager later claimed Tyson tore a knee ligament in the first round.
June 3, 2005: Tyson Expresses Regret and Desire to Escape
In an interview with USA Today published on June 3, 2005, Mike Tyson said his life had been a waste and he wanted to escape, expressing embarrassment and a desire to be a missionary. He began spending time tending to his pigeons.
June 11, 2005: Tyson Quits Fight Against McBride
On June 11, 2005, Mike Tyson quit before the seventh round of his fight against Kevin McBride. Tyson later stated he fought for a payday, did not expect to win, was in poor condition, and had lost his passion for boxing.
2005: First Boxing Career Ends
In 2005, Mike Tyson retired from boxing for the first time.
2006: Tyson's World Tour Begins
In 2006, Mike Tyson announced Tyson's World Tour, a series of exhibition bouts to pay off his debts. The first bout was a four-round exhibition against Corey Sanders in Youngstown, Ohio. The remainder of the tour was canceled due to poor reception.
2006: Tyson Appears in Rocky Balboa
In 2006, Mike Tyson appeared in the movie "Rocky Balboa".
May 5, 2007: Pay-Per-View Record Surpassed
On May 5, 2007, the pay-per-view buy rate record set by Tyson vs. Holyfield rematch on June 28, 1997, was surpassed by Oscar De La Hoya vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr.
August 2007: Tyson Pleads Guilty to Drug Charges
In August 2007, Mike Tyson pleaded guilty in an Arizona court to drug possession and driving under the influence following a December arrest where he admitted to using cocaine and being addicted to the drug.
2009: Tyson Appears in The Hangover
In 2009, Mike Tyson appeared in the movie "The Hangover".
June 12, 2011: Tyson Inducted into International Boxing Hall of Fame
On June 12, 2011, Mike Tyson was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame alongside Julio César Chávez, Kostya Tszyu, and Sylvester Stallone.
October 2012: Tyson Launches Mike Tyson Cares Foundation
In October 2012, Mike Tyson launched the Mike Tyson Cares Foundation, with the mission to "give kids a fighting chance" through innovative centers for kids from broken homes.
August 2013: Tyson Forms Iron Mike Productions
In August 2013, Mike Tyson teamed up with Acquinity Sports to form Iron Mike Productions, a boxing promotions company.
September 2013: Tyson Featured on 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: Tyson's Autobiography Published
In November 2013, Mike Tyson's autobiography, Undisputed Truth, was published and appeared on The New York Times Best Seller list. He received the Sportel Special Prize for the best autobiography at the Golden Podium Awards Ceremony.
2013: Tyson Admits to Using Wife's Urine for Doping Tests
In his 2013 autobiography "Undisputed Truth", Mike Tyson admitted to using his then wife, Monica Turner's, urine to pass doping tests.
2014: Tyson Reflects on Strongest Opponents
In 2014, Mike Tyson reflected on his strongest opponents in ten categories for an interview with The Ring magazine, including best jab, best defense, fastest hands, fastest feet, best chin, smartest, strongest, best puncher, best boxer, and best overall.
2015: Tyson Inducted into Southern Nevada Hall of Fame
In 2015, Mike Tyson was inducted into the Southern Nevada Hall of Fame along with four other inductees with ties to Southern Nevada.
2017: The Ring Magazine Ranks Tyson Among Heavyweight Champions
In 2017, The Ring magazine ranked Mike Tyson as number 9 of 20 heavyweight champions based on a poll of panelists that included trainers, matchmakers, media, historians, and boxers.
July 2020: Tyson Creates Legends Only League
In July 2020, Mike Tyson announced the creation of Mike Tyson's Legends Only League, in partnership with Sophie Watts and Eros Innovations. The league provides retired professional athletes the opportunity to compete in their respective sport.
July 2020: Tyson Signs Contract to Fight Roy Jones Jr.
In July 2020, Mike Tyson signed a contract to face Roy Jones Jr. in an eight-round exhibition fight. Rafael Cordeiro was selected as Tyson's trainer.
November 28, 2020: Tyson Fights Jones Jr. at Staples Center
On November 28, 2020, Mike Tyson fought Roy Jones Jr. at the Staples Center, in the first event produced under Legends Only League. The event received largely positive reviews and was the highest selling PPV event of 2020.
2020: Tyson Listed Among Greatest Heavyweights
In 2020, Bill Caplan of The Ring magazine listed Mike Tyson as number 17 of the 20 greatest heavyweights of all time. Tyson also spoke with The Ring magazine in 2020 about his six greatest victories, those over Trevor Berbick, Pinklon Thomas, Tony Tucker, Tyrell Biggs, Larry Holmes, and Michael Spinks.
August 6, 2022: Tyson accuses Hulu of stealing his story
On August 6, 2022, Mike Tyson publicly criticized Hulu for creating a biographical drama about his life without his consent, stating "Hulu stole my story" and telling the service that "I'm not a n****r you can sell on the auction block."
March 2024: Tyson Announces Ring Return
In March 2024, it was announced that Mike Tyson would be making his return to the ring against Jake Paul in a heavyweight bout on July 20, 2024, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
May 26, 2024: Tyson Suffers Ulcer Flare-Up
On May 26, 2024, Mike Tyson suffered an ulcer flare-up aboard a plane.
May 31, 2024: Tyson vs. Paul Fight Postponed
On May 31, 2024, the fight between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul was postponed per medical advice from Tyson's doctor, allowing him to recover from his ulcer flare-up.
June 7, 2024: Tyson vs. Paul Fight Rescheduled
On June 7, 2024, it was announced that the fight between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul would take place at the same stadium on November 15, 2024.
July 20, 2024: Tyson vs. Paul Heavyweight Bout
On July 20, 2024, Mike Tyson was scheduled to make his return to the ring against Jake Paul in a heavyweight bout at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, before it was postponed.
November 15, 2024: Rescheduled Tyson vs. Paul Fight
On November 15, 2024, the rescheduled fight between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul is set to take place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
2024: Second Boxing Career Begins
In 2024, Mike Tyson comes out of retirement to continue his boxing career.
April 2025: BoxRec Ranks Tyson Among Greatest Boxers
As of April 2025, BoxRec ranks Mike Tyson at No. 24 among the greatest boxers that had their last fight at heavyweight.
September 4, 2025: Tyson and Mayweather Jr. Agree to Fight
On September 4, 2025, it was announced that Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather Jr. have agreed to fight each other in an exhibition bout in Spring 2026.
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