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, 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.
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".
2002: Ranking 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: Ranking in The Ring magazine's list of 100 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: USA Today Interview
In an interview with USA Today published on June 3, 2005, Mike Tyson expressed feelings of failure and a desire to escape his life, also stating his interest in becoming a missionary.
2007: Publication of The Last Great Fight
Published in 2007, Joe Layden's book The Last Great Fight chronicled the lives of Mike Tyson and Buster Douglas before and after their heavyweight championship fight.
June 12, 2011: Induction to the 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: Launch of Mike Tyson Cares Foundation
In October 2012, Mike Tyson launched the Mike Tyson Cares Foundation, aimed at providing innovative centers to support kids from broken homes.
2015: Induction into the Southern Nevada Hall of Fame
In 2015, Mike Tyson was inducted into the Southern Nevada Hall of Fame.
2017: Ranking in The Ring magazine
In 2017, The Ring magazine ranked Mike Tyson as number 9 of 20 heavyweight champions based on a poll of panelists.
2020: Ranked in The Ring Magazine's List of Greatest Heavyweights
In 2020, Bill Caplan of The Ring magazine listed Mike Tyson as number 17 of the 20 greatest heavyweights of all time.
