Lasting Legacy of Mike Tyson: A Look at the Influence on History

A detailed timeline of the impact and legacy of Mike Tyson across different fields.

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

1987: Featured in Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!!

In 1987, Mike Tyson was featured as the final boss in the NES video game "Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!!".

1998: Ranking in The Greatest Heavyweights of All-Time

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 50 Greatest TV Sports Moments of All Time

In 1998, The Tyson-McNeeley fight was included in TV Guide's list of the 50 Greatest TV Sports Moments of All Time.

2002: The Ring Magazine Ranking

In 2002, The Ring magazine ranked Mike Tyson at number 72 in their list of the 80 Best Fighters of the Last 80 Years.

2003: The Ring Magazine Ranking

In 2003, The Ring magazine ranked Mike Tyson at number 16 on their list of 100 greatest punchers of all time.

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.

June 11, 2005: Tyson Quits Against Kevin McBride

On June 11, 2005, Mike Tyson quit before the seventh round in a fight against Kevin McBride, later admitting he fought for a payday and lacked passion for boxing.

May 5, 2007: Pay-per-view Record Surpassed

On May 5, 2007, the pay-per-view buy rate record, previously held by Tyson vs. Holyfield II, was surpassed by Oscar De La Hoya vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr.

2007: Publication of The Last Great Fight

In 2007, Joe Layden's book, "The Last Great Fight: The Extraordinary Tale of Two Men and How One Fight Changed Their Lives Forever", chronicling the lives of Mike Tyson and James 'Buster' Douglas, was published.

2008: Premiere of Tyson Documentary

In 2008, the documentary "Tyson" premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in France.

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June 12, 2011: Induction to International Boxing Hall of Fame

On June 12, 2011, Mike Tyson was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

October 2012: Launch of Mike Tyson Cares Foundation

In October 2012, Mike Tyson launched the Mike Tyson Cares Foundation, aiming to provide comprehensive support to kids from broken homes.

November 2013: Publication of Autobiography and Award

In November 2013, Mike Tyson's autobiography, Undisputed Truth, was published and appeared on The New York Times Best Seller list. He also received the Sportel Special Prize for the best autobiography.

2013: Induction into Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame

In 2013, Mike Tyson was inducted into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame and headlined the induction ceremony.

2014: Interview with The Ring Magazine

In 2014, Mike Tyson reflected on his strongest opponents in ten categories for an interview with The Ring magazine.

2015: Inducted into the Southern Nevada Hall of Fame

In 2015, Mike Tyson was inducted into the Southern Nevada Hall of Fame.

2017: The Ring Magazine Ranking

In 2017, The Ring magazine ranked Mike Tyson as number 9 of 20 heavyweight champions based on a poll of panelists.

2020: Recognition and Rankings by The Ring and CBS Sports

In 2020, Bill Caplan of The Ring magazine listed Mike Tyson as number 17 of the 20 greatest heavyweights of all time. Also in 2020, CBS Sports boxing experts ranked Tyson number 7 among the top 10 heavyweights of the last 50 years.