MAIN Sports Boxing Sports Idols Mike Tyson

Born Michael Gerard Tyson in Brooklyn, New York, on June 30, 1966, "Iron Mike" battled his way up from tough inner city streets to become the most famous boxer since Muhammad Ali.

Perhaps more famous today for a rape conviction, club brawls - and one famous ear-biting incident inside the ring - Tyson also is in contention for being named the Unofficial Poster Boy for anger management counseling.

One of the most feared boxers in the history of the sport, Tyson began his boxing career under trainer Constantine "Cus" D'Amato, who eventually became Tyson's legal guardian and personal mentor credited with his very early success and 24-3 amateur record. Turning pro in 1985, Tyson's ferocious first-round knockout of Hector Mercedes was a harbinger of things to come.

A year later, the 20-year old Tyson took the WBC title to become the youngest heavyweight champ ever. Throughout his career, "brutal" best described the losses suffered by opponents who were brave enough to withstand a Tyson attack, the likes of which include James "Bonecrusher" Smith, Pinklon Thomas, Tyrell Biggs and Larry Holmes.

However, the once-and-future street fighter's fall from grace was relatively quick as his aggressiveness began to spill over into his personal life, and on to the pages of tabloids worldwide.

While the sports pages regularly reported his altercations at bars and clubs, the gossip columns were spotlighting his short-lived, tumultuous marriage to actress Robin Givens.

Following the loss of his world championship title to James "Buster" Douglas in 1990, Tyson again made headlines again outside the ring, when he was jailed for rape in 1992 and sentenced to six years in prison. His heralded comeback in 1995 (he was released early for good behavior) was followed by his regaining the WBC heavyweight crown in March 1996.

That same year he beat Bruce Sheldon to take the WBA crown before losing the title to Evander Holyfield.

It was their famous rematch in 1997 that saw a frustrated Tyson biting a chunk of Holyfield's ear off in the notorious Bite Fight.

Since then, the former world boxing champ has fought in several lackluster matches including an 8th round loss to Lennox Lewis in 2002. Tyson also suffered a knock-out in the fourth round by British boxer Danny Williams in 2004.

His last bout on June, 11 2005 vs Ireland's Kevin McBride was thought have finally ended Tyson's career when he was pushed to the canvas by the 6-foot-6, 250 pound McBride.

In 2006, Tyson announced his part in the mixed martial arts PRIDE series of exhibition fights at the Alladin Hotel in Las Vegas. While Tyson's 2006 return to the ring is being popularly described as a freak show, or Sideshow Mike, the former champ now refers to himself as simply a working "entertainer."

And in yet another reincarnation of the boxer's career, Tyson is also said to be embarking on a foray into Bollywood, where he is slated to appear in a music video promoting the film comedy "Fool n Final", subsequently leading to talks regarding Tyson starring in full-fledged Bollywood film roles.

In August, Tyson will next fight in the legal arena against charges of DUI and cocaine possession following his arrest by Scottsdale, Arizona police late last year. If convicted, Tyson could face up to 7 years in prison for felony drug possession.

Michael Tyson - Mike Tyson Website - Iron Mike's official fan site featuring a biography, career records, picture gallery, messageboard, related links.

Mike Tyson - Wikipedia - The complete bio, picture, career record, Tyson trivia, and the boxing champ's place in pop culture.

Mike Tyson Movies, Pictures and News - Fan site with QuickTime video clips of major fights, picture gallery, news.

Showtime - Mike Tyson Profile - An extensive archive of stories, stats and video clips of Tyson fights featured on the pay-per-view cable channel, including interviews, promos, bio.

Joyce Carol Oates: On Mike Tyson - Feature articles from the novelist and author of On Boxing with profiles and photos of Tyson's fighting style, his personal life, and famous fights with Biggs, Holyfield.

SLAM! BOXING: Tyson vs. Holyfield - The Bite Fight as reported in 1997 news wires and feature articles, along with a photo gallery of the exchange, including one image of the infamous moment.

Mike Tyson Crazy Parody Pics - The former world champ appearing as Luke Skywalker, Elvis, Michael Jackson and more. Via the magic of Photoshop...

also see -> Evander Holyfield | Oscar de la Hoya | Boxing