There are very few figures in the world of sports that have achieved the level of fame and notoriety that Mike Tyson has. From his humble beginnings to becoming one of the most feared and respected boxers of all time, Tyson’s journey is a fascinating one. This day, we’ll explore the life of the legendary boxer, focusing on his early life, rise to fame, and his impressive net worth.
Net Worth: $10 Million
Salary: –
Date of Birth: Jun 30, 1966
Place of Birth: Brooklyn, New York
Gender: Male
Profession: Professional Boxer, Actor, Film Producer, Athlete
Mike Tyson Early Life
Michael Gerard Tyson was born on June 30, 1966, in Brooklyn, New York. He had a tumultuous upbringing, with his father leaving the family when he was just two years old. His mother, Lorna Mae Tyson, was left to raise him and his siblings on her own in the rough neighborhood of Brownsville.
As a young boy, Tyson often found himself in trouble with the law. He was arrested multiple times for petty crimes and even spent time in a juvenile detention center. It was during one of these stints that Tyson met the man who would change his life forever: legendary boxing trainer Cus D’Amato.
D’Amato saw potential in the young Tyson and decided to take him under his wing. He quickly became a father figure to Tyson, teaching him discipline and the art of boxing. Under D’Amato’s tutelage, Tyson developed his trademark fighting style, which combined speed, power, and ferociousness. By the age of 18, Tyson was ready to embark on his professional boxing career.
Mike Tyson Personal Life
Throughout his life, Mike Tyson has faced many ups and downs in his personal life. He has been married three times and has a total of eight children. His first marriage was to actress Robin Givens in 1988, but the couple divorced a year later amidst allegations of domestic violence and a highly publicized interview with Barbara Walters.
In 1997, Tyson married Monica Turner, a pediatric resident. The couple had two children together, but their marriage ended in divorce in 2003, with Turner citing Tyson’s infidelity as the reason. Tyson then married Lakiha Spicer in 2009, and they have two children together.
Tragedy struck Tyson’s life in 2009 when his four-year-old daughter, Exodus, died in a tragic accident at home. The event devastated Tyson and led him to seek therapy to deal with the grief and trauma. He has since become an advocate for mental health awareness and has openly discussed his struggles with depression and substance abuse.
Mike Tyson Career After Boxing
Following his retirement from boxing, Mike Tyson transitioned into a career in entertainment. He made appearances in various films and television shows, with one of his most notable roles being a fictionalized version of himself in the hit movie “The Hangover.” Tyson also starred in his own reality television show, “Taking on Tyson,” which followed his foray into pigeon racing.
In 2012, Tyson took to the stage with his one-man show, “Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth.” Directed by Spike Lee, the show offered a candid look into Tyson’s life, including his career highs and lows, as well as his personal struggles. The show received positive reviews and was later adapted into an HBO special.
Tyson has also become an entrepreneur, launching several successful ventures. His podcast, “Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson,” has attracted a loyal following, with Tyson discussing various topics and interviewing celebrities and athletes. Additionally, Tyson’s cannabis company, Tyson Ranch, has made a significant impact in the growing marijuana industry.
In recent years, Tyson has expressed a desire to return to the ring, and in 2020, he participated in an exhibition match against fellow boxing legend Roy Jones Jr. The match ended in a draw, but it showcased Tyson’s continued passion for the sport and his commitment to staying in shape.
Mike Tyson Rise to Fame
Tyson made his professional debut on March 6, 1985, and within a year, he had a perfect record of 15-0, with all of his victories coming by way of knockout. His relentless style and devastating power quickly earned him the nickname “Iron Mike.” The boxing world took notice, and it wasn’t long before Tyson was competing for championships.
On November 22, 1986, at the age of 20, Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion in history when he defeated Trevor Berbick to win the WBC title. He would go on to capture the WBA and IBF titles, becoming the first heavyweight to hold all three belts simultaneously. Over the next several years, Tyson dominated the heavyweight division, defending his titles and defeating a long list of challengers.
However, Tyson’s life outside the ring was anything but stable. His personal life was marred by legal troubles, and he struggled to find a sense of balance. Despite these challenges, Tyson’s fighting career continued to prosper until he was shockingly defeated by Buster Douglas in 1990.
Following his loss to Douglas, Tyson’s career took a downturn. He was convicted of rape in 1992 and spent three years in prison. After his release, he returned to the ring but never quite regained the dominance he once had. Tyson retired from boxing in 2005 with a record of 50-6, with 44 of his victories coming by knockout.
Mike Tyson Net Worth
Despite his struggles outside the ring, Mike Tyson managed to amass a significant fortune during his boxing career. At his peak, Tyson was estimated to have earned over $300 million from fight purses, endorsements, and other sources of income.
However, due to his lavish lifestyle and poor financial management, Tyson faced bankruptcy in 2003, with reported debts of over $23 million. Since then, he has worked to rebuild his finances and has found success in various endeavors. Tyson has appeared in movies, and television shows, and even had a one-man Broadway show. He also hosts the popular podcast “Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson” and has launched a cannabis company called Tyson Ranch.
Mike Tyson’s life is a testament to the power of resilience and reinvention. From his humble beginnings to the pinnacle of the boxing world, Tyson has faced numerous challenges and setbacks, both personally and professionally. Despite these obstacles, he has managed to forge a new path in entertainment and business, while also becoming an advocate for mental health awareness.
