This man is a cult personality in sports who has left a huge legacy in the boxing world. It’s hard to beat his records now, because not everyone can manage the way he gave himself in the ring. And this is the unrivaled American professional boxer Mike Tyson. Even a person who is not versed in this sport, heard about his brilliant career, explosive character and to the limit of an eventful life. So how was the difficult life of the youngest absolute world champion in heavyweight among professionals?
Childhood and youth
It's hard to believe, but, as a boy, the “iron” Mike Gerard Tyson was calm. He himself comes from New York, his father abandoned their family when his mother was still pregnant, so there was no male upbringing. In the courtyard, both classmates and his own sibling often abused him.
But soon a turning point occurred in his fate. His life has changed a lot since the moment he joined the ranks of a street gang. Local hooligans taught Tyson to steal in shops and clean pockets of passers-by. He got in touch with a bad company, followed by arrests, where once again being on a talk, the guy gets acquainted with the legend of world boxing Muhammad Ali.
Inspired by his idol, he first thinks of becoming a boxer. At the age of 13, while in a school for juvenile delinquents, he begins his first training with a former boxer, and now a physical education teacher. Lightning motivation and desire made it clear to the school teacher that the guy needs a new coach. They became the famous Cas D'Amato.
Amateur career
At the very first championship of youth Olympic tournaments, the promising young man was remembered by the entire audience. Tyson’s battles ended ahead of schedule, where he, without giving a single chance, cracked down on his rivals. Boxer devoted all his free time to training. Yes, there were defeats, but on points, while the audience always preferred Mike.
Sweeping away all in its path, the champion dreamed of winning the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. Putting all opponents into a deep sleep, he met in the final meetings Henry Tillman, who, having been knocked down, even flew outside the ring, won several times in some meetings. Henry won the Olympics, but many believe that the “iron” was not specifically allowed to defend their homeland in those games. From the same year, D'Amato launches a new level of training, preparing Mike Tyson for a professional career, inviting an excellent team of managers and trainers.
First wins and immediate take-off
Debuting in 1985, unsurpassed and longing for fresh blood, the fighter conducts 15 battles, which he simply finishes successfully. The next year also begins, where already in January, with more serious rivals, Mike records two early victories in a professional record.
The first serious resistance to Tyson in the battle was provided by James Dillis, where the fight went the whole distance. After another match, which reached the referee's decision, Michael closes the season with six early victories. Among the opponents were: Joe Fraser's son - Marvis, Reggie Gross, Jose Ribalta and others.
Dreams come true
To win the WBC world title, he had to give everything in two rounds, after which the Canadian of Jamaican origin, Trevor Berbik, collapsed three times on the floor, not having the ability and strength to continue the fight. In the next battle, Tyson also took the WBA champion title, where James Smith, apparently fearing violent blows, constantly clinched.
Pinklon Thomas became the next victim of our hero. And already the next battle took place for the title of absolute world champion against the undefeated Tony Tucker. After all 12 rounds, the winner was determined by the judges who, with a wide margin, gave preference to Mike. So he became the youngest absolute heavyweight champion.
Further, the favorite began bright defense belts. There were many, for example, his counterpart among fans of Tyrell Biggs. The leader dominated the Olympian during the bout, ending the fight in round 7. Clashes with eminent rivals ended according to one scenario - knockouts.
Failures and returns
In 1990, after litigation, the dismissal of part of the team, the champion is not particularly preparing for the fight. He was opposed by the rather mediocre James Douglas. Tyson's fight against Douglas received the status of “Upset of the Year”. Mike made the first defeat, after which he admitted that he had not trained. He is undergoing treatment for alcohol dependence. Returning to the sport, the boxer defeats Tillman, as well as three more opponents. And then Mike becomes popular on news rounds, getting his first term. After leaving, he puts on gloves again, but he is no longer the same. The life of the “iron” Mike was filled with alcohol, prohibited substances, and not boxing. He ended his career ingloriously, losing more often than winning victories. If earlier it was Holyfield and Lewis, then further less famous fighters.
Now Michael is retired, starring in films, has his own promotion company. He lives in Arizona with his loving family.