Written by: Mateo, Reporter in ISFM

Mike Tyson is one of the best boxers in the world, and widely considered the

Difficult Childhood

As a child, he got into street fights and had numerous run-ins with the police. At 13, he was sent to a juvenile detention center, where a counselor noticed his natural talent for hitting hard and fast.

Meeting Bobby Stewart

A former boxer, Bobby Stewart, spots Tyson and introduces him to a legendary trainer: Cus D’Amato. At that moment, he becomes his trainer, his mentor, and even a father figure towards Mike.

Cus teaches him:

• the peek-a-boo style (high guard, quick evasive maneuvers),

• mental discipline,

• controlled fighting spirit,

• self-confidence.

His amateur beginnings

Before turning professional, Tyson dominated junior tournaments.

Amateur results:

48 wins-6 losses

Gold medal at the Junior Olympics at ages 15 and 16.

Knockout in 8 seconds (Tournament record)

Mike Tyson’s First 10 Fights

March 6, 1985

vs. Hector Mercedes

Win by TKO, 1st round

First professional fight — Tyson finishes it very quickly.

 

April 10, 1985

vs. Trent Singleton

Win by KO, 1st round

 

May 23, 1985

vs. Don Halpin

Win by unanimous decision, 4 rounds

The only one of his early fights to go the distance.

 

June 20, 1985

vs Ricardo Spain

Win by KO, 1st round

 

July 11, 1985

vs John Alderson

Win by TKO, 2nd round

 

August 19, 1985

vs Larry Sims

Win by KO, 1st round

 

September 5, 1985

vs Lorenzo Boyd

Win by KO, 2nd round

 

October 10, 1985

vs Michael Johnson

Win by KO, 1st round

KO in 39 seconds.

 

October 25, 1985

vs Donnie Long

Win by KO, 1st round

 

November 1, 1985

vs Robert Colay

Win by KO, 1st round

KO in 37 seconds.

A KO in 30 seconds

On July 26, 1986, at the Glens Falls Civic Center in New York, Mike Tyson (20 years old, already a star with 24 undefeated fights and 22 KOs) faced Marvis Frazier, the son of the famous world heavyweight champion Joe Frazier. The tension was high; at this time, Mike and Marvis were rising boxing stars (Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier were at the twilight of their careers). 

Still the star in 2025

Still in 2025, 59 year old Mike Tyson still does many combats and boxing matches.

Mike Tyson at 59 years old

                                                                                 Mike Tyson’s boxing glove.

    Poster; Paul vs Tyson (2025)                                                                    

Written by: Mateo, Reporter in ISFM