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Mike Tyson

Mike Tyson is an American former professional boxer born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1966.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Mike Tyson is an American former professional boxer, born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1966. He became the youngest heavyweight champion in history in 1986 and is widely regarded as one of boxing’s greatest heavyweights. Outside the ring, Tyson has also worked as an author, actor, and cannabis entrepreneur. His fights and public appearances have drawn significant Canadian media attention.

Early life and rise

Born in Brooklyn in 1966, Tyson rose from a difficult childhood to become a standout amateur and then a professional boxer. He turned professional in 1985 and won the heavyweight title in 1986. His power and aggressive style quickly made him one of the sport’s most feared heavyweights.

Boxing career

Tyson won the heavyweight title in 1986 and unified the major belts, becoming undisputed champion. At age 20, he became the youngest heavyweight champion in boxing history. He was the first heavyweight boxer to simultaneously hold the WBA, WBC, and IBF titles. His career later included major defeats, a prison sentence, a return to boxing, and exhibition and sanctioned bouts in later years. Tyson’s career included 59 professional fights. His official record is commonly listed as 50 wins, 7 losses, and 2 no contests.

Public life after boxing

After retiring from full-time competition, Tyson appeared in films, television, and stage projects, and became involved in business ventures. He also published memoirs and remained a high-profile sports personality.

Legacy

Tyson is remembered for his knockout power, rapid rise, and status as one of the most recognizable heavyweight champions in history. His career is also associated with controversy and major cultural visibility beyond boxing.

Key facts

  • Tyson turned professional in 1985 and won the heavyweight title in 1986.
  • At age 20, he became the youngest heavyweight champion in boxing history.
  • He was the first heavyweight boxer to simultaneously hold the WBA, WBC, and IBF titles.
  • Tyson’s career included 59 professional fights.
  • His official record is commonly listed as 50 wins, 7 losses, and 2 no contests.
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Canadian context

Tyson has a strong following in Canada as one of boxing’s most famous global figures, with his fights and public appearances drawing significant Canadian media attention.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Mike Tyson?
Mike Tyson is an American former professional boxer and entrepreneur who became the youngest heavyweight champion in history in 1986.
How old is Mike Tyson?
Mike Tyson was born on June 30, 1966, which makes him 60 years old as of 2026.
What happened to Mike Tyson?
Tyson had a celebrated but controversial boxing career, including a prison sentence in the 1990s, a disqualification against Evander Holyfield in 1997, and later returns to the ring and media work.
What is Mike Tyson's net worth?
Reliable figures vary widely over time because his finances have changed significantly; many recent estimates place it in the tens of millions of U.S. dollars, but no single universally accepted figure exists.
How many fights did Mike Tyson win?
Mike Tyson won 50 professional fights.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Tyson
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, nickname, career record, and career overview.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannicahttps://www.britannica.com/biography/Mike-Tyson
    Supports: Birth details, youngest heavyweight champion status, and biography.
  3. ESPNhttps://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/39717002/mike-tyson-biography-boxing-record-fights-more
    Supports: Professional record, career highlights, and later fights.
  4. Biography.comhttps://www.biography.com/athletes/mike-tyson
    Supports: Career milestones, controversies, and later media/business activities.