Mike Tyson - The Life Story

Credit: http://www.fazli.com.my/views/tyson.htm

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Mike Tyson - The Rest is History

Mike aged 14, went to train with Cus D'Amato, trainer of champions, in a gym in Catskills, NY. During his years there, Mike compiled an impressive amateur record of 24-3. His speed and power made the whole world take notice and the highly anticipated pro career of Mike Tyson would prove to be as captivating as the man himself.

On March 6, 1985, Mike Tyson made his pro debut with a first round knockout of Hector Mercedes. From that point on, Tyson's goal was to capture the Heavyweight Championship of the World, finishing his first year with a record of 15-0, all by knockout. Less than two years later, after racking up 27 consecutive wins, Tyson signed to fight Trevor Berbick for the World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight title. On Nov. 22, 1986, after only six minutes in the ring, the young fighter was crowned heavyweight champion at the unprecedented age of 20.

Not content at stopping with one title, Tyson's mission was to unify the heavyweight division and give the world its first undisputed heavyweight champion since Muhammad Ali a decade before. Tyson accomplished the second leg of his mission on March 7, 1987, with a 12-round victory over James "Bonecrusher" Smith to add the World Boxing Association (WBA) belt to his growing collection. Finally, less than five months later, his dream was complete. On August 1, 1987, Tyson became the undisputed world heavyweight champion by out-pointing Tony Tucker to claim the International Boxing Federation (IBF) belt, thus unifying the titles.

Going on to make six successful defenses of his unified titles, Tyson defeated everyone in his path including former champ Larry Holmes and then-undefeated former champ Michael Spinks. For his 91-second destruction of Spinks, Tyson earned more than $20 million, which at the time was the largest sum ever paid to an athlete. Mike went on to post wins over mandatory challenger Frank Bruno, followed by a 93 second rout of Carl Williams. During this time, Mike became one of the most recognized athletes in the world and the most dominating figure in boxing. A pro for five years, Tyson entered 1990 with a record of 37-0, with 33 wins by knockout. There was one loss in February 1990 to James "Buster" Douglas. Tyson rebounded from the loss in Tokyo with two phenomenal first-round knockouts against Henry Tillman and Alex Stewart.

On March 18, 1991, Mike Tyson and Razor Ruddock met in a "hard hitting" brawl. Tyson won the first five rounds, scoring knockdowns in the second and third. Ruddock, showing great determination, stunned the former champ in the sixth round. When the seventh round bell sounded, Tyson mounted a punishing attack, rattling Ruddock with four consecutive power shots. Referee Richard Steele stepped in and stopped the contest with 38 seconds left in the round.

They met in rematch on June 28, 1991. Ending speculation over what would have happened had their first fight not been stopped, Tyson knocked Ruddock to the canvas twice and broke his jaw en route to a unanimous 12-round decision.

After more than a four-year hiatus from boxing, Mike returned to the ring with exclusive deals from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and Showtime Networks Inc., where he was seen both fighting and providing commentary. Tyson's long awaited comeback finally took place on August 19, 1995 at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas. Showing no ill effects from his layoff, it took Tyson only seven seconds to send his opponent, Peter McNeeley, to the canvas.

On December 16, 1995 at the CORE States Spectrum in Philadelphia, PA, before a prime time audience on Fox television, Tyson came out swinging at Buster Mathis, Jr. early. Throwing bomb after bomb, it took 2:32 of the third round before Mathis could no longer avoid them. Consecutive right hands sent Mathis to the canvas and he was unable to beat the 10 count. It was Tyson's 37th knockout and his first since March of 1991.

On March 16, 1996 Tyson got another shot at a world title since losing his belt to Douglas in 1990. Before a sellout crowd of 15,222 at the MGM Grand Garden, Tyson regained the (WBC) belt. Tyson used uppercuts, jabs, and hooks, in combination with speed and power to dispose of Frank Bruno just 50 seconds into the third round

In his effort to once again unify the titles, Tyson took on WBA Champion Bruce Seldon, September 7, 1996 at the MGM Grand. Tyson wasted little time in capturing the WBA title, knocking out Seldon 1:49 into the opening round

On November 9th 1996 Tyson met Evander Holyfield at the MGM Grand in the main event on a fight card billed "Finally" referring to the fight coming five years and one day after it was originally scheduled. In one of the most exciting fights of the decade Tyson's winning streak was halted in the 11th round. During the post fight press conference, Tyson did not make any excuses about his loss, graciously giving Holyfield credit and congratulating him on his performance.

Following a year and a half layoff, Tyson returned to the ring on January 29th, 1999 versus Francois Botha. During the fifth round, Tyson went on the attack, unleashing a powerful right hand that sent Botha to the canvas

On October 23, 1999 Tyson returned to the ring at the MGM Grand to face Orlin Norris. The fight aired on SHOWTIME, ended in a no contest after the first round. Referee Richard Steele ruled the late punch accidental

As we ushered out the 20th century and welcomed in a new millennium, Tyson traveled overseas to Europe for the first time in his career. The response overseas was tremendous as the former two-time heavyweight champion was greeted by thousands at the airport when he arrived in London. During his two-week stay, fans swarmed Tyson whenever he ventured out

In Brixton, Tyson was greeted by thousands of fans as he walked through the streets. Tyson went to Great Britain to fight the English Commonwealth Champion Julius Francis in Manchester, England. On January 30, 2000 Tyson knocked out Francis in the second round. Tyson displayed his old form knocking down Francis five times in less than six minutes of work.

Returning to the UK, Tyson fought former USBA and IBA heavyweight champion Lou Savarese on June 24, 2000 at National Stadium-Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland. Before a crowd of 25,000, Tyson pounded Savarese, ending the fight in: 38 seconds, the third fastest KO in Tyson history.

October 20, 2000, Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan. Mike Tyson versus Chicago-based Andrew Golota. Just 12 seconds remaining in the first round, Tyson landed a powerful right. The fight ended in a TKO when Golota failed to come out for the third round.

Tyson has remained true to his roots, recognizing how important it is to 'BE REAL'. He maintains a strong bond with his community, and his charitable efforts have been recognized globally. Not one to seek out publicity for his good deeds, Mike contributes to under privileged causes through his various businesses: Tyson Gear, Mike Tyson Enterprises and Tyson Records and www.tysongear.com.

We all know some of the stuff he has been through, and we all know about his ups and downs. So what if he has, assaulted old men, mugged old ladies, broken peoples noses, raped women, head-butted opponents, tried to break peoples arms, bitten ears, burgled people, robbed houses, elbowed opponents, hit below-the-belt, started riots in casino arenas, fondled women in nightclubs, threw television sets around in cells, fought with prison officers, swore at TV broadcasters? We all make mistakes!

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