Mike Tyson record: Boxing legend lost just six times in his career, famously to Buster Douglas and Lennox Lewis, while he bit Evander Holyfield’s ear to earn disqualification
‘Iron’ Mike Tyson has been showing off his incredible physique ahead of an unlikely return to boxing.
The heavyweight legend is looking to get back into the ring later this year for a string of four-round charity bouts.
It’s been more than 15 years since Tyson was last under the lights but he is looking for one last go around.
Mike Tyson was known as the ‘Baddest Man on the Planet’
The now 53-year-old says he is in better shape than ever despite his glittering and violent career and we could well see him lace up his gloves again soon.
While Tyson’s legacy is not under threat, he will not want to add to his career defeats tally.
He claimed 50 wins while picking up his heavyweight titles but was also on the end of six losses.
So who were the men to stop the baddest man on the planet?
Nobody expected Buster Douglas to beat Mike Tyson
Buster Douglas: Tokyo, Japan – February 11, 1990
Arguably the biggest upset in boxing history, rank underdog Douglas shocked the world when he knocked out Tyson in the tenth round.
Tyson was a 42/1 favourite with the few outlets taking bets on the fight but he lost his undefeated record and his WBA, WBC, IBF, and lineal heavyweight titles.
Tyson was plagued with problems in his personal life leading up to the fight and hadn’t train properly.
Regardless, Douglas performed superbly well to go down in the sporting legend.
Evander Holyfield: MGM Grand, Las Vegas – November 9, 1996
Following his defeat to Douglas, Tyson rebuilt his career with seven straight wins, regaining two of his belts.
He then took on Holyfield in Vegas in a mega-bout known simply as ‘Finally’.
The vicious fight was filled with headbutts and clashes with Holyfield controlling the later rounds.
He stopped Tyson in the 11th to record one of the biggest wins in heavyweight history.
Evander Holyfield: MGM Grand, Las Vegas – June 28, 1997
The rematch, nicknamed ‘The Sound and the Fury’, was filled with controversy.
Having lost the early rounds, Tyson was caught with a seemingly intentional headbutt from Holyfield.
This angered Tyson who retaliated in the third round with a furious attack. The two were then caught in a hold where Tyson proceeded to bite his rival on the ear.
Tyson was picture spitting out a chuck of Holyfield’s ear but the fight continued.
Tyson then, after another clinch, bit Holyfield’s other ear, causing him to jump back, shouting.
A mass brawl followed and Tyson was disqualified. He lost his boxing license, was fined $3,000,000 and had to serve a period of community service.
Mike Tyson was disqualified against Evander Holyfield for biting his ear clean off
Lennox Lewis: The Pyramid, Memphis – June 8, 2002
Having regained his license and at the age of 35, Tyson took on fellow heavyweight great Lewis.
An exciting, heated and controversial build-up lead to a star-studded event in Memphis.
The fight began evenly with the two superstars enjoying eye-catching spells.
But in the eighth round, Lewis connected with a heavy right cross which floored Tyson and ended the bout.
It would be Tyson’s last title shot.
By the time Lewis defeated Tyson, it was evident he was past his best
Danny Williams: Freedom Hall, Kentucky – July 30, 2004
Now with his infamous face tattoo, 38-year-old Tyson took on Williams after a 17-month layoff.
Tyson started the fight well but suffered a knee ligament injury at the end of the first round.
‘Brixton Bomber’ Williams then piled on the pressure before stopping his opponent in the fourth.
Kevin McBride: MCI Center, Washington – June 11, 2005
Tyson’s final career fight came against Irishman McBride.
Tyson was clearly agitated throughout the bout, attempting to break McBride’s arm at one point.
While being up by two points on the judge’s scorecards, Tyson quit on his stool before the seventh round began and thus his illustrious career was done.
Tyson later revealed he took the McBride fight for a payday and retired shortly after saying his passion for the sport had gone.
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