Mike Tyson

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Mike Tyson

Mike Tyson News: Fight with Jake Paul Rescheduled

Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson’s highly anticipated match against Jake Paul has been rescheduled for November 15 in Arlington, Texas. The sanctioned eight-round bout, which will be streamed on Netflix, marks Tyson’s first competitive fight since June 2005.

Originally slated for July 20, the fight was postponed due to an ulcer flare-up experienced by the 57-year-old Tyson. According to a representative, Tyson felt dizzy and nauseated while traveling from Miami to Los Angeles on May 26, necessitating paramedic assistance upon landing. Following a medical evaluation, doctors advised him to engage in minimal to no training for several weeks, impacting the original fight schedule.

“My body is in better overall shape than it has been since the 1990s, and I will be back to my full training schedule soon,” Tyson stated. “Jake Paul, this may have bought you some time, but in the end, you will still be knocked out and out of boxing for good.”

Who Is Mike Tyson?

Mike Tyson, a retired professional boxer, became the youngest heavyweight champion in history in 1986 at the age of 20. He lost the title in 1990 and later served three years in prison following a conviction on rape charges. Tyson gained further notoriety for infamously biting off part of opponent Evander Holyfield’s ear during a match in 1997. Since retiring from boxing in 2005, Tyson has appeared in numerous films and television shows, authored best-selling books, and launched a successful cannabis business.

Early Life and Background

Michael Gerard Tyson was born on June 30, 1966, in Brooklyn, New York, to parents Jimmy Kirkpatrick and Lorna Tyson. After his father abandoned the family when Michael was just two years old, Lorna raised Michael and his two siblings, Rodney and Denise, under challenging financial circumstances. The family moved to Brownsville, a Brooklyn neighborhood known for high crime rates, where Tyson, small and shy, was often bullied. In response, he developed his own street-fighting style, which led to a life of petty crime. By the age of 13, he had been arrested over 30 times and was placed in the Tryon School for Boys, a reform school in upstate New York.

At Tryon, Tyson met counselor Bob Stewart, a former amateur boxing champion, who taught him how to box. Tyson quickly improved his reading skills and became determined to excel in the sport, often practicing punches late at night after curfew.

Amateur Career and Mentorship

In 1980, Stewart introduced Tyson to legendary boxing manager Constantine “Cus” D’Amato, who recognized his potential as a future champion. D’Amato took Tyson under his wing, and upon Tyson’s release from Tryon in September 1980, he entered D’Amato’s full-time custody. D’Amato set a rigorous training schedule for Tyson, who attended Catskill High School during the day and trained every evening. He participated in amateur boxing matches and non-sanctioned “smokers” to gain experience against older opponents.

Despite his promising career, Tyson faced personal losses in 1982, including the death of his mother from cancer. This period was further complicated by his expulsion from Catskill High due to behavioral issues. Nonetheless, he continued his education with private tutors while training for the 1984 Olympic trials, although he did not qualify.

Professional Boxing Career

Tyson made his professional debut on March 6, 1985, knocking out Hector Mercedes in the first round. His remarkable strength, quick fists, and defensive skills made him a formidable opponent. By the end of that year, he had secured a reputation as “Iron Mike” and continued to rise in the heavyweight rankings.

Tragedy struck on November 4, 1985, with the death of D’Amato from pneumonia. Kevin Rooney took over Tyson’s training, and he dedicated his fights to D’Amato. By 1986, Tyson had amassed a record of 22 wins, 21 by knockout. On November 22, 1986, he defeated Trevor Berbick to become the youngest heavyweight champion at 20 years and 4 months, breaking Floyd Patterson’s record.

Tyson’s reign continued as he defended his title multiple times, including a victory over James Smith and later winning the International Boxing Federation title against Tony Tucker. However, his reliance on one-punch knockouts became a concern. He eventually parted ways with Rooney in mid-1988 and continued to defend his title twice before suffering a shocking loss to Buster Douglas on February 11, 1990.

Later Career and Controversies

Tyson faced several challenges throughout his career, including a series of high-profile fights against Evander Holyfield. After losing to Holyfield in 1996, Tyson was disqualified in a controversial rematch in 1997 after biting Holyfield’s ear, leading to the revocation of his boxing license and a $3 million fine.

After his license was reinstated in 1998, Tyson returned to the ring but faced a decline in performance. His final bouts culminated in a loss to Kevin McBride in June 2005, after which he announced his retirement from boxing.

Post-Retirement and Recent Developments

In June 2011, Tyson was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame and transitioned into a boxing promoter. Now, he is set to make a brief return to the ring for an eight-round sanctioned match against Jake Paul, originally scheduled for July 20, 2024, but postponed to November 15 due to health issues.

Boxing Record, Height, and Weight

Standing at 5 feet 10 inches and generally competing just under 220 pounds during his prime, Tyson’s weight fluctuated significantly post-retirement. He revealed in November 2020 that he lost around 100 pounds through a new vegan diet and consistent exercise. Tyson’s official boxing record includes 50 wins, 6 losses, and 2 no contests, with 44 victories by knockout. His first 37 fights resulted in victories before suffering his first loss to Buster Douglas in February 1990.

Personal Life

Family Background

Mike Tyson is currently married to his third wife, Lakiha “Kiki” Spicer, with whom he wed in 2009. The couple has two children together: a daughter named Milan, born in 2008, and a son named Morocco, born in 2011. Overall, Tyson is a father to seven children, including three daughters, three sons, and a nonbinary child.

His firstborn, a daughter named Mikey, was born in 1990, from his relationship with Kimberly Scarborough. Tyson’s second marriage was to Monica Turner, with whom he had two children: Rayna, who is nonbinary, and Amir, born in 1996 and 1997, respectively. He also has a son named Miguel, born in 2002, and a daughter named Exodus, born in 2005, from his previous relationship with Sol Xochitl. Milan and Morocco complete Tyson’s family.

Tragically, Tyson lost his four-year-old daughter, Exodus, in March 2009 when she accidentally strangled herself on a treadmill cord at her mother’s home in Phoenix. In a subsequent interview with Oprah Winfrey, Tyson reflected on the devastating incident, stating, “My first instinct was a lot of rage, and I am so happy I had the tools in life [from attending rehab] not to go in that direction. There was no animosity. There was no anger towards anybody. I don’t know how she died, and I don’t want to know.”

Marital History

First Marriage to Robin Givens

Tyson’s first marriage was to actress Robin Givens, whom he wed on February 7, 1988, in New York. However, allegations of spousal abuse soon surfaced. By June of the same year, Givens and her mother were demanding access to Tyson’s finances for a down payment on a $3 million home in New Jersey. Tyson’s erratic behavior escalated, leading to several incidents that garnered media attention, including a street brawl in August 1988 that resulted in a broken bone in his hand and a car accident in September that was speculated to be a suicide attempt.

The couple’s tumultuous relationship culminated in a televised interview with Barbara Walters, during which Givens described their marriage as “pure hell.” Shortly thereafter, she filed for divorce, which Tyson countered with a request for an annulment. Their divorce was finalized on February 14, 1989.

Second Marriage to Monica Turner

In the early 1990s, Tyson began a relationship with Monica Turner, who regularly visited him during his imprisonment. They married in a Muslim ceremony in 1997 and welcomed two children together. However, their marriage deteriorated, leading Turner to file for divorce in 2002 on grounds of Tyson’s alleged infidelity. The divorce was finalized in early 2003 after a lengthy legal process.

Criminal Convictions

Tyson’s boxing success was often overshadowed by legal troubles. In 1992, he was convicted of rape after being accused by Desiree Washington, a contestant in the Miss Black American pageant. He was sentenced to six years in prison. Tyson’s prison experience was tumultuous; he faced additional charges for threatening a guard and later converted to Islam, adopting the name Malik Abdul Aziz. He was released on March 25, 1995, after serving three years.

Business Lawsuits

Tyson’s post-prison life included further legal disputes, including a $49 million lawsuit from former trainer Kevin Rooney, which resulted in a jury ordering Tyson to pay $4.4 million. In 1998, Tyson filed a $100 million lawsuit against promoter Don King, accusing him of financial misconduct. After a settlement, Tyson received $14 million, which he used to address debts.

Additionally, Tyson faced assault charges in 1998 after a road rage incident, resulting in a plea deal that included jail time and community service. His later years were marked by repeated arrests for drug-related offenses, including a significant incident in 2007 involving cocaine and DUI charges. Tyson has since been candid about his struggles with addiction and has sought rehabilitation multiple times. In recent years, he has expressed a commitment to sobriety, attributing his recovery in part to the use of psychedelic substances.

Bankruptcy

In 2003, Tyson filed for bankruptcy, citing his extravagant spending, ongoing legal fees, and poor investments. As a result, he sold his mansion in Connecticut and temporarily relied on friends and shelters before relocating to Phoenix, where he purchased a new home.

In January 2023, Tyson faced a new legal challenge when a woman filed a lawsuit alleging that he raped her outside a nightclub in March 1991, seeking $5 million in damages. The case was transferred to U.S. District Court in Albany, and a trial date is yet to be established.

Life Beyond Boxing

Entertainment Ventures

After his boxing career, Tyson transitioned into entertainment, making notable appearances in films and television. His cameo in the 2009 comedy The Hangover was well-received and led to guest roles on series such as Entourage, How I Met Your Mother, and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. In 2012, he debuted on Broadway with his one-man show, Mike Tyson: The Undisputed Truth, directed by Spike Lee. He also launched the animated series Mike Tyson Mysteries in 2014.

Authorship

Tyson has authored several books, including his 2013 memoir, Undisputed Truth, which became a bestseller, and a follow-up in 2017 titled Iron Ambition: My Life With Cus D’Amato, focusing on his early training experiences.

Cannabis Business

In 2016, Tyson entered the cannabis industry with the establishment of Tyson Holistic Holdings, which includes a 407-acre ranch in California. He later expanded his brand with a line of cannabis strains and edibles under the Tyson 2.0 label.

Net Worth

As of March 2024, Tyson’s net worth is estimated at $10 million. He ranked No. 18 on Sportico’s list of the highest-paid athletes of all time, with career earnings adjusted for inflation totaling $905 million.