Tyson, Mike (1966- )

US heavyweight boxer, undisputed world champion from August 1987 to February 1990. He won the World Boxing Council heavyweight title in 1986 when he beat Trevor Berbick to become the youngest ever world heavyweight champion. He beat James ‘Bonecrusher’ Smith for the World Boxing Association title in 1987 and later that year became the first undisputed champion since 1978 when he beat Tony Tucker for the International Boxing Federation title.

Tyson had his boxing licence revoked and was fined $3 million in July 1997 for biting part of the ear off Evander Holyfield during the heavyweight championship fight on 28 June of that year. He was disqualified during the fight.

Career highlights

Professional record (1985-2005)

WBC heavyweight champion

WBA heavyweight champion

IBF heavyweight champion

He turned professional in 1985. Of Tyson's first 25 opponents, 15 were knocked out in the first round. His fastest victory was won in June 2000, in a match against Lou Savarese which lasted just 38 seconds. Tyson was undefeated until 1990, when he lost the championship in an upset to James ‘Buster’ Douglas. Tyson was scheduled to fight again for the championship, but was convicted of rape and imprisoned 1992-95. He regained the World Boxing Council title in 1996 when he defeated Frank Bruno in Las Vegas.

In February 1999, he was jailed for 12 months following his violence towards two motorists during a car accident in Gaithesburgh, Maryland, in 1998.