Mike Tyson's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Mike Tyson.

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

1986: The Ring Magazine's Fighter of the Year

In 1986, Mike Tyson was named The Ring magazine's Fighter of the Year.

1987: Undisputed World Heavyweight Champion

In 1987, Mike Tyson became the undisputed world heavyweight champion.

1988: The Ring Magazine's Fighter of the Year

In 1988, Mike Tyson was again named The Ring magazine's Fighter of the Year.

1989: Tyson receives honorary doctorate

In 1989, Mike Tyson was awarded an honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters by Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio. The university stated, "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.

March 1996: WBC Title Win Against Frank Bruno

In March 1996, Mike Tyson regained a boxing title by defeating Frank Bruno to win the WBC title, knocking him out in the third round.

1996: Regained WBA and WBC Titles

In 1996, after his release from prison, Mike Tyson regained the WBA and WBC titles, joining a select group of boxers who have reclaimed a heavyweight championship after losing it.

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 12, 2011: Induction to International Boxing Hall of Fame

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

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.

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.