Sporting icons : Mike Tyson - Career highlights & video of the deadliest boxer ever

 


Mike Tyson born June 30 , 1966  is a former American professional boxer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest heavyweights in the history of the sport. Known for his ferocious and intimidating boxing style, Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion at the age of 20 in 1986. Throughout his career, he amassed a record of 50 wins, including 44 knockouts. Tyson's career was marked by both his incredible successes in the ring and his tumultuous personal life, including legal issues and a prison sentence. Despite these controversies, Tyson made a comeback in the late 1990s and remains a prominent figure in popular culture and the world of boxing.



Mike Tyson's career is filled with notable achievements and memorable moments that have cemented his legacy as one of the greatest boxers in history. Here is a detailed overview of his career highlights:


 Early Career and Rise to Fame

- **Amateur Career:** Tyson had an impressive amateur career, winning gold medals at the 1981 and 1982 Junior Olympic Games. His amateur record was 24 wins (all by knockout) and 3 losses.

- **Professional Debut:** Tyson made his professional debut on March 6, 1985, with a first-round knockout victory over Hector Mercedes. He quickly gained a reputation for his devastating power and aggressive style, winning his first 19 professional bouts by knockout, 12 of them in the first round.


Youngest Heavyweight Champion

- **WBC Heavyweight Title:** On November 22, 1986, Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion in history at 20 years old by defeating Trevor Berbick via TKO in the second round. This victory earned him the WBC heavyweight title.

- **WBA and IBF Titles:** Tyson unified the heavyweight division by defeating James "Bonecrusher" Smith on March 7, 1987, to win the WBA title, and Tony Tucker on August 1, 1987, to capture the IBF title. This made him the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.



 Peak of His Career

- **Defenses of Titles:** The mighty Mike Tyson defended his titles multiple times with notable victories over Larry Holmes, Tony Tubbs, Michael Spinks, and Frank Bruno. His fight against Spinks on June 27, 1988, ended in a 91-second knockout, further solidifying Tyson's dominance in the division.

- **Fight Style and Reputation:** Known for his ferocious and intimidating style, Tyson was a feared opponent. His ability to knock out opponents with both hands and his aggressive approach made him a fan favorite and a household name.


Upset and Legal Troubles

- **Loss to Buster Douglas:** On February 11, 1990, Tyson suffered a shocking upset loss to James "Buster" Douglas in Tokyo, Japan. Douglas knocked out Tyson in the tenth round, ending his reign as the undisputed heavyweight champion.

- **Legal Issues and Prison Sentence:** Tyson's career faced significant setbacks due to legal issues. In 1992, he was convicted of rape and sentenced to six years in prison. Tyson was released on parole after serving three years.


 Comeback and Later Career

- **Return to Boxing:** Tyson returned to the ring in 1995 and won several fights, including victories over Peter McNeeley and Frank Bruno (regaining the WBC title) and Bruce Seldon (winning the WBA title). However, his comeback was marred by losses to Evander Holyfield.

- **Holyfield Fights:** Tyson fought Evander Holyfield twice. In their first bout on November 9, 1996, Holyfield won by TKO in the 11th round. The rematch on June 28, 1997, became infamous as the "Bite Fight," where Tyson was disqualified for biting Holyfield's ears.


Later Years and Legacy

- **Final Fights and Retirement:** Tyson's later career saw mixed results, including losses to Lennox Lewis in 2002 and Kevin McBride in 2005. He retired from professional boxing in 2005 with a record of 50 wins (44 by knockout), 6 losses, and 2 no contests.

- **Cultural Impact:** Despite the controversies and setbacks, Tyson remains a significant figure in boxing and popular culture. His story of rise, fall, and redemption has been the subject of numerous documentaries, books, and a one-man show. Tyson has also appeared in movies and television, maintaining his status as a prominent public figure.


Mike Tyson's career is a testament to his extraordinary talent, resilience, and complex personal journey, making him one of the most fascinating and iconic athletes in sports history.

In the below video watch some of Mike Tyson's  brutal knockout fights 


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