Ring Sport K1 - “Iron” MIKE TYSON

“Iron” MIKE TYSON

Age: 40
Born: June 30, 1966 in Brooklyn, New York
Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
Pro Record: 50-6 (44 KOs)
Former Undisputed World Heavyweight Champion

The “Baddest Man In The Planet” is heading to the Boxing Hall of Fame as soon as he’s eligible. One of the most feared fighters of all-time, living legend Mike Tyson is a product of the notorious Brownsville section of Brooklyn.

Legend explosive Tyson won his first 19 fights by knockout, including 12 in the first round, as he started to become media sensationary boxing trainer Cus D’Amato, who had guided Floyd Patterson and Jose Torres to world titles, befriended Tyson and became his mentor. Living and training with D’Amato in the Catskills, Mike made his pro debut March 6 1985, making Hector Mercedes an eventual trivia answer, by first-round knockout in Albany, New York.

The. His first real test was as sixth-round TKO of 14-1 Jesse Ferguson in 1986. Moving up from journeymen to fight fringe contenders such as James “Quick” Tillis, Mitch Green, Marvis Frazier and Jose Ribalta. “Iron” Mike made history in 1986 when he scored a second-round TKO victory against Trevor Berbick (32-4-1), capturing the WBC title belt and at 20 becoming the youngest heavyweight champion of all-time.

Tyson unified the title in his next action, easily winning a 12-round decision against WBA title-holder James “Bonecrusher” Smith (19-5), defended both belts against Pinklon Thomas (29-1-1) by sixth-round TKO, and became undisputed world heavyweight champion by clearly winning a 12-round decision versus IBF champ Tony Tucker.

As the years passed, Tyson’s reputation grew. He successfully defended all three titles belts in his next six fights, all by knockout and including four world champion, against previously unbeaten Tyrell Biggs (15-0), Larry Holmes (48-2), Tony Tubbs (24-1), undefeated light heavyweight champion Michael Spinks (31-0), Frank Bruno (32-2), and Carl Williams (22-2).

On February 11 1990, the boxing world was shocked when James “Buster” Douglas registered one of the biggest upsets in sports history, knocking out Tyson in the 10^th round of their title fight in Japan.

Tyson reeled-off eight straight victories and re-captured the WBC belt by stopping Bruno in the third round of their 1996 rematch and the WBA crown the following fight with a first-round TKO of Bruce Seldon (33-3).

In 1996, Tyson lost to Evander Holyfield and never regained a world championship. In his last fight (June 11, 2005), Mike was unable to answer the bell for the seventh round against Irish heavyweight champion Kevin McBride.