Mike Tyson Biography

Fast Facts

• Became the first heavyweight boxer to win all three major boxing belts in August 1987, when he won the International Boxing Federation title from Tony Tucker
• Became the youngest heavyweight boxing champion of the world at the age of 20 in 1986 and held the title for four years
• Was put into the Tryon School for Boys in New York as a teenager because of his gang activity, where he met amateur boxing champion Bob Stewart, who taught him everything he knew about boxing
• Made his professional debut against Hector Mercedes in Albany, N․Y․ on March 6, 1985 at the age of 18, knocking Mercedes out in one round
• Trained with legendary boxing manager Constantine "Cus" D'Amato, who became like a father to him
• Quote: "I'm a dreamer․ I have to dream and reach for the stars, and if I miss a star then I grab a handful of clouds․"
• After the success of his cameo appearance in the hit comedy "The Hangover" in 2009, he began appearing on TV series like "Entourage," "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," and "How I Met Your Mother․"
• Best known as a former professional boxer who was the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world
• Founded Iron Mike Productions in 2013 to train aspiring young boxers to become champions
• Starred in the one-man Broadway production "Mike Tyson: The Undisputed Truth," directed by Spike Lee, in 2012