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.

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.

Sections (7)

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

2013: Tyson Inducted 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: 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.

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.