Mike Tyson, born Michael Gerard Tyson on June 30, 1966, is widely regarded as one of the most ferocious and accomplished boxers in the history of the sport. Known for his aggressive style, knockout power, and speed, Tyson quickly rose to prominence in the world of boxing. His professional debut came at the age of 18 on March 6, 1985, and within a few short years, he had established himself as a dominant force in the heavyweight division. Tyson’s rapid rise to the top was fueled by his incredible knockout power, and by November 1986, he became the youngest ever heavyweight champion at the age of 20 when he defeated Trevor Berbick for the WBC title.
Throughout his early career, Tyson was virtually unstoppable, boasting a terrifying record of wins, with many of them coming by knockout. His reputation for finishing fights quickly and decisively made him a feared opponent. Tyson’s power was unmatched during this period, and his fights often ended before they reached the later rounds, leading to his reputation as one of the most dangerous men in the ring. By 1987, Tyson became the undisputed world heavyweight champion, holding the WBC, WBA, and IBF titles, a feat that cemented his place among boxing’s greats.
However, Tyson’s career took a dramatic turn in 1990 when he suffered one of the most shocking upsets in boxing history. On February 11, 1990, Tyson faced off against James “Buster” Douglas in Tokyo, Japan. Tyson, who was undefeated and widely considered unbeatable, was unexpectedly knocked out by Douglas in the 10th round. This loss not only ended Tyson’s unbeaten streak but also marked the beginning of a downward spiral in his career. Tyson had been knocked down in the eighth round but seemed to be in control before being caught by a powerful right hand that sent him to the canvas for the first time in his career. The upset stunned the boxing world, and Tyson’s dominance was brought to a screeching halt.
In the years following his loss to Douglas, Tyson’s career was marred by personal and professional issues. He went through a tumultuous period, which included legal troubles, financial struggles, and changes in his team. Despite these challenges, Tyson remained a top contender, even though he was no longer the dominant force he once was. One of the most infamous moments of his career occurred in 1996, when he faced Evander Holyfield for the WBA heavyweight title. Tyson lost to Holyfield by technical knockout (T-KO) in the 11th round. However, the rematch in 1997 is perhaps even more famous due to Tyson’s shocking actions. In the third round, Tyson bit Holyfield’s ear twice, with one bite severely damaging Holyfield’s ear. This led to his disqualification, and Tyson’s reputation took a major hit as a result.
Tyson’s career continued with mixed results, and he suffered additional knockout defeats, including one to Lennox Lewis in 2003. In a bout that was viewed as a lopsided affair, Tyson was knocked out in the eighth round by the much taller and stronger Lewis. It was clear that Tyson, now in his late 30s and past his prime, was no longer the same dominant fighter he had been in his youth. Tyson’s decline continued in 2004, when he was knocked out by Danny Williams in a fight that would prove to be the penultimate one of his career. After being floored by a right hand in the fourth round, Tyson was unable to recover and was counted out.
Despite these setbacks, Tyson’s career was far from over. In recent years, Tyson has made several comebacks, including a return to the ring in 2024 at the age of 58. He faced Jake Paul, a YouTube star turned boxer, in a highly anticipated match that drew worldwide attention. The fight, which took place in Arlington, Texas, was watched by over 108 million viewers and became one of the most bet-on boxing events in history. However, the bout proved to be anticlimactic, with no knockouts or knockdowns taking place during the fight, leading many to question its legitimacy.
Tyson’s legacy remains a complex one. He is undoubtedly one of the greatest heavyweights of all time, with a career filled with breathtaking victories and shocking defeats. His career was marred by controversy and personal issues, but Tyson’s place in the history of boxing is secure. Despite the challenges he faced, Tyson’s raw talent and incredible power made him one of the most iconic figures in the sport. Even after his retirement, Tyson continues to be a recognizable figure, often appearing in media, interviews, and as a global ambassador for betting companies like Parimatch and DraftKings.
Has Mike Tyson Been Knocked Out Before?
Yes, Mike Tyson has been knocked out before. In fact, he was knocked out three times during his career:
1) Against Buster Douglas on February 11, 1990, in one of the biggest upsets in boxing history. Tyson, who had been unbeaten up to that point, was knocked out in the 10th round after recovering from an eighth-round knockdown.
2) Against Lennox Lewis on June 8, 2003. Tyson was knocked out in the eighth round during a one-sided fight against the undisputed heavyweight champion, Lewis.
3) Against Danny Williams on July 30, 2004. Tyson was knocked out in the fourth round after being caught by a series of punches, culminating in a huge right hand that sent him to the canvas. Tyson tried to get up but was counted out.
In addition to these knockout losses, Tyson also suffered two technical knockout (T-KO) defeats and one disqualification loss during his career.
Photo: Freepik
Mike Tyson, the legendary heavyweight boxer, has lived a life marked by tremendous highs and dramatic lows. Known for his ferocity in the ring, Tyson was equally bold outside it, often engaging in gambles that would define his career and personal life. From financial risks to career-altering decisions, Tyson’s biggest gambles reveal a man willing to bet everything—sometimes winning big, but often paying a steep price.