Mike Tyson, born Michael Gerard Tyson on June 30, 1966, is an American former professional boxer known as Iron Mike and The Baddest Man on the Planet.
He is considered one of the greatest heavyweight boxers, having held the undisputed world heavyweight champion title from 1987 to 1990.
Tyson was the youngest boxer to win a heavyweight title and the first to unify the WBA, WBC and IBF titles.
Despite setbacks like his 1990 loss to Buster Douglas and legal issues, including a 1992 conviction for rape, Tyson made a comeback, regaining titles in 1996.
Beyond boxing, Tyson has been involved in entertainment, philanthropy and business ventures, such as his foundation and boxing promotions company.
He has also appeared in films, TV shows and even a stage production.
Recently, Tyson has hinted at a return to boxing and has made appearances in wrestling events.
| Net worth | $10 million |
| Profession | Former boxer |
| Date of birth | June 30, 1966 |
| Nationality | American |
Background and early life
Raised in Brooklyn, New York, Tyson faced significant challenges from a young age.
His biological father was absent, and his stepfather left when he was just two years old.
Tyson’s mother, who battled alcoholism, passed away when he was 16.
Growing up in a crime-ridden neighborhood in Brownsville, Tyson faced a harsh environment that led him to join a local gang at the age of 10.
By 11, he had already been exposed to drugs and had a history of arrests.
Despite this troubled start, Tyson’s life took a turn when he was sent to a juvenile center in upstate New York, where he was introduced to boxing by Bobby Stewart, a former boxer.
This encounter led to Tyson being mentored by legendary boxing manager Cus D’Amato, who eventually became his legal guardian after Tyson’s mother’s death.
Under D’Amato’s guidance, his boxing talent flourished, leading to his remarkable rise in the sport.
Net worth
Tyson’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million.
Despite earning hundreds of millions during his boxing career, he faced financial challenges due to lavish spending and poor financial management, leading to bankruptcy in 2003.
However, Tyson managed to make a financial comeback through various endeavors, including acting roles like his appearance in The Hangover and investments in the cannabis industry.
Notably, he owns the Tyson Ranch, a weed ranch where he grows and sells his brand of cannabis products, contributing significantly to his financial recovery.
Despite his past financial struggles, Tyson has rebuilt his wealth and continues to be involved in various ventures, showcasing resilience and adaptability in managing his finances.
Career earnings
Tyson’s career earnings were substantial, with him earning at least $430 million from fights and endorsements during his boxing career.
His earnings began with $1.5 million for his bout against Trevor Berbick and escalated into double-digit millions throughout the 1990s.
Notably, Tyson reportedly pocketed $30 million for fights against Frank Bruno and Evander Holyfield, with his most significant windfall coming from the Lennox Lewis bout, where he earned an astonishing $103 million.
Adjusted for inflation, Tyson’s career earnings would be roughly equivalent to $700 million today.
Despite these impressive figures, not all of Tyson’s winnings reached his pocket directly due to promoter Don King taking a significant cut, possibly as high as 50%.
Tyson’s career earnings highlight the immense financial rewards in professional boxing and the importance of prudent financial management to sustain wealth beyond the ring.
Lavish spending habits
Tyson’s lavish spending habits were legendary, leading to financial challenges despite his immense earnings.
His extravagant purchases included a $2 million golden bathtub for his first wife, actress Robin Givens and lavish gifts like $100,000 watches for strangers.
Tyson’s spending was characterized by maintaining a luxurious lifestyle, with expenses like legal fees, pagers, cell phones, birthday parties, tiger care and limos.
His aggressive spending, amounting to $400,000 a month, contributed to his financial downfall, along with debts to the IRS, British tax authorities, law firms, a financial manager, a music producer and a former trainer.
Despite earning over $400 million during his career, Tyson’s lack of financial discipline and excessive spending led to bankruptcy in 2003, with debts totaling $23 million.
This extravagant lifestyle contrasted sharply with his financial struggles, highlighting the importance of prudent financial management.
Bankruptcy filing
Tyson filed for bankruptcy in 2003 after facing significant financial struggles.
Despite earning over $400 million during his boxing career, his lavish spending habits, legal issues and debts led to his financial downfall.
By the time of his bankruptcy filing, Tyson had accumulated debts totaling $23 million, including unpaid taxes, legal fees and a divorce settlement.
His bankruptcy was a result of a combination of factors, such as extravagant spending on items like jewelry and a gold chain worth $173,706, along with financial obligations to various parties.
Despite this challenging period, Tyson managed to make a financial comeback through smart investments, business ventures like his cannabis company, acting roles in movies and TV shows and other entrepreneurial endeavors.
His bankruptcy filing marked a turning point in his financial journey, leading to a period of rebuilding and financial redemption.
Car collection
Tyson’s car collection is a reflection of his extravagant lifestyle and taste for luxury vehicles.
One of the standout cars in his collection is the iconic Lamborghini LM002, a powerful off-road machine that epitomizes Tyson’s lavish preferences.
Known as the ‘Rambo Lambo,’ this four-door utility truck was a symbol of his success and desires, featuring luxurious amenities like leather-trim seats, tinted windows, air conditioning and a stereo system.
Tyson’s fascination with the Lamborghini LM002 began when he first saw one owned by millionaire Malcolm Forbes, sparking a dream of owning it himself.
In addition to the LM002, his also owned a 2000 Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster, a yellow Lamborghini Diablo and a 1995 Ferrari F50, among other high-end vehicles.
His car collection showcased his affinity for luxury cars and his ability to indulge in extravagant purchases, reflecting his status as a boxing legend with a taste for the finer things in life.
Real estate
Tyson’s real estate portfolio includes several notable properties, showcasing his taste for luxury and extravagant living.
In 2015, he purchased a $2.5 million mansion in Henderson, Nevada, featuring six bedrooms, seven bathrooms and spanning 10,400 square feet.
Situated in the upscale Seven Hills neighborhood, the estate boasts amenities like a media room, wine cellar, disappearing-edge swimming pool, spa, outdoor kitchen and an expansive covered patio.
Additionally, the property includes two casitas, one of which is a full apartment, providing ample space and comfort for Tyson’s lifestyle.
Despite his past financial challenges and bankruptcy filing in 2003, Tyson’s real estate investments reflect his ability to acquire high-end properties and enjoy luxurious living.
Furthermore, his former Maryland home in Bethesda recently sold for nearly $4.6 million, showcasing the grandeur and value of his real estate holdings.
Early career
Tyson’s early life was marked by adversity and challenges.
His father abandoned the family when he was just two years old, leaving his mother, Lorna Smith Tyson, to raise him and his siblings alone.
Tragedy struck early in Tyson’s life with the loss of his mother when he was 16 and his sister’s untimely death at the age of 24.
Growing up in a high-crime environment, Tyson was exposed to violence and crime from a young age, leading to numerous arrests and a life filled with petty crime.
Despite these hardships, his introduction to boxing at a reform school in upstate New York marked a turning point.
Under the mentorship of former boxer Bobby Stewart and legendary trainer Cus D’Amato, Tyson’s raw talent and aggression found an outlet in the sport.
His early years were tumultuous, shaped by loss, crime and a turbulent environment, setting the stage for his remarkable journey in the world of boxing.
Breakthrough
Tyson’s breakthrough in boxing came on March 6, 1985, when he knocked out Hector Mercedes in the first round.
This victory marked a significant turning point in his career, propelling him into the spotlight and setting the stage for his rise to boxing greatness.
Following this initial success, Tyson continued to achieve a series of victories that garnered attention from both the media and the boxing world.
Despite facing personal challenges, such as the death of his mentor Cus D’Amato in 1985, his boxing prowess continued to evolve.
Tyson’s increased speed, accuracy, and intimidating style, known as the ‘peek-a-boo’ style, where he moved in and out of opponents’ punches while delivering powerful blows, made him a formidable force in the ring.
Tyson’s career peaked with his 1988 fight against Michael Spinks, a renowned boxer, whom Tyson defeated in just 91 seconds in the first round.
This victory solidified his reputation as a dominant force in boxing and secured his place among the sport’s legends.
Despite subsequent challenges and setbacks in his personal life and career, Tyson’s breakthrough victories and accomplishments remain a defining part of his legacy in the world of boxing.
Boxing style
Tyson was known for his distinctive boxing style known as the ‘peek-a-boo’ style.
This style, popularized by Tyson and his trainer Cus D’Amato, involves a defensive hand position where the fighter holds their gloves close to their cheeks and pulls their arms tight against their torso.
The peek-a-boo style is characterized by its defensive nature, offering extra protection to the face while making it easier to jab the opponent’s face.
Key principles of the peek-a-boo style include aggressive counterpunching, forward movement and creating openings by provoking opponents into making mistakes.
In addition to the defensive hand position, peek-a-boo boxing emphasizes relaxed hands, side-to-side head movements, bobbing, weaving and swift neck movements.
Footwork in the peek-a-boo style focuses on closing the distance, crowding the opponent, and creating dominant angles for attack.
Tyson’s mastery of the peek-a-boo style, with his aggressive and relentless approach, contributed significantly to his success in the boxing ring and solidified his reputation as one of the sport’s most formidable fighters.
Roy Jones, Jr fight
The fight between Tyson and Roy Jones Jr. was an exhibition match held at the Staples Center, where both fighters, aged 54 and 51 respectively, faced off in an eight-round bout.
Despite the California State Athletic Commission labeling it as “for fun,” both Tyson and Jones made it clear they were there to fight seriously.
The fight ended in a draw, with no official decision announced by the state, and the WBC judges declared it a draw.
Throughout the match, Tyson displayed impressive stamina, targeting Jones’ body and showing unexpected freshness, considering his long hiatus from professional boxing.
Despite the draw, the fight provided fans with nostalgia and entertainment, showcasing Tyson’s power and Jones’ resilience, ultimately culminating in a positive outcome where neither fighter was significantly hurt.
Working with Francis Ngannou
Tyson and Francis Ngannou have collaborated in boxing training, with Tyson providing guidance and motivation to the former UFC heavyweight champion.
While Tyson didn’t directly coach Ngannou for his fight against Anthony Joshua, he played a significant role in Ngannou’s boxing journey, especially during his training for the Tyson Fury fight.
Ngannou acknowledged Tyson’s influence on his training, highlighting the motivation and valuable advice Tyson offered during their time together in Riyadh.
Their partnership has been characterized by mutual respect and admiration, with Tyson expressing belief that their story could be worthy of a movie due to the impact he had on Ngannou’s career.
Despite not coaching Ngannou for the Joshua fight, Tyson’s involvement in Ngannou’s camp remains open, showcasing the camaraderie and support between the two fighters.
The collaboration between Tyson and Ngannou exemplifies the cross-generational mentorship and camaraderie in the world of combat sports, blending the experience of a boxing legend with the rising star of MMA transitioning into boxing.
Philanthropic efforts
Tyson has been actively involved in philanthropy, supporting various causes and charities.
He has used his platform to back Muslim charities, contributing to the construction of mosques and schools, showcasing his commitment to Islamic philanthropy.
Tyson’s charitable endeavors extend beyond religious causes, as he has also supported charities focused on AIDS & HIV, at-risk/disadvantaged youths, children, education and sports.
Additionally, he has become an advocate for mental health, sobriety, and personal growth, highlighting his dedication to helping others and promoting well-being.
Through the Mike Tyson Cares Foundation, Tyson aims to provide opportunities for people in lower-income communities, supporting initiatives aligned with local charities to enhance the quality of life for those in need.
Tyson’s philanthropic efforts reflect his desire to give back to communities facing challenges, emphasizing the importance of supporting programs that address homelessness, education, social injustice and prison reform.
Mike Tyson family
Tyson’s family life has been marked by both triumphs and challenges.
His father was absent from his life, and his stepfather left when he was just two years old.
Tyson’s mother, Lorna Smith Tyson, raised him and his siblings on her own, enduring the hardships of single parenthood.
Tragedy struck early in Tyson’s life with the loss of his mother when he was 16 and his sister’s passing at the young age of 24.
Despite these difficulties, Tyson found solace and guidance in boxing, which eventually led him to legendary trainer Cus D’Amato, who became his legal guardian after his mother’s death.
In terms of his own family, Tyson has been married multiple times.
He was married to Robin Givens from 1988 to 1989, Monica Turner from 1997 to 2003, and later married Lakiha Spicer in June 2009.
Tyson has a total of eight children, namely Rayna, Amir, D’Amato, Milan, Exodus, Morocco, Mikey and Miguel.
His family life has been a mix of personal struggles, including legal issues like his 1992 conviction for rape and moments of joy and connection with his children and partners.
Despite the challenges he has faced, Tyson’s family remains an integral part of his life and journey through the highs and lows of fame and personal trials.