Editing Mike Tyson (section)

==Professional career==

===Early career===
Tyson made his professional debut as an 18-year-old on March 6, 1985, in [[Albany, New York]]. He defeated Hector Mercedes via first-round TKO.<ref name="Puma" /> He had 15 bouts in his first year as a professional. Fighting frequently, Tyson won 26 of his first 28 fights by KO or TKO; 16 of those came in the first round.<ref name="rec_0">[http://www.cyberboxingzone.com/boxing/tysonrec.htm "Iron" Mike Tyson] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100219043356/http://www.cyberboxingzone.com/boxing/tysonrec.htm |date=February 19, 2010 }}, ''Cyberboxingzone.com Boxing record''. Retrieved April 27, 2007.</ref> The quality of his opponents gradually increased to [[Journeyman (boxing)|journeyman]] fighters and borderline contenders,<ref name="rec_0" /> like [[James Tillis]], [[David Jaco]], [[Jesse Ferguson]], [[Mitch Green]], and [[Marvis Frazier]]. His win streak attracted media attention and Tyson was billed as the next great [[heavyweight]] champion. D'Amato died in November 1985, relatively early into Tyson's professional career, and some speculate that his death was the catalyst to many of the troubles Tyson was to experience as his life and career progressed.<ref>Hornfinger, [http://www.saddoboxing.com/boxing-article/Cus-Damato-Mike-Tyson.html Cus D'Amato] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100914172613/http://www.saddoboxing.com/boxing-article/Cus-Damato-Mike-Tyson.html |date=September 14, 2010 }}, ''SaddoBoxing.com''. Retrieved March 27, 2007.</ref>

===Rise up the ranks===
Tyson's first nationally [[television|televised]] bout took place on February 16, 1986, at [[Houston Field House]] in [[Troy, New York]], against journeyman heavyweight [[Jesse Ferguson]], and was carried by [[ABC Sports]]. Tyson knocked down Ferguson with an uppercut in the fifth round that broke Ferguson's nose.<ref>Oates, Joyce C., [http://jco.usfca.edu/boxing/tyson.html Mike Tyson] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090621013951/http://jco.usfca.edu/boxing/tyson.html |date=June 21, 2009 }}, ''[[Life Magazine]] via author's website'', November 22, 1986. Retrieved March 11, 2007.</ref> During the sixth round, Ferguson began to hold and clinch Tyson in an apparent attempt to avoid further punishment. After admonishing Ferguson several times to obey his commands to box, the [[Referee (boxing)|referee]] finally stopped the fight near the middle of the sixth round. The fight was initially ruled a win for Tyson by [[Disqualification (boxing)|disqualification]] (DQ) of his opponent. The ruling was "adjusted" to a win by [[technical knockout]] (TKO) after Tyson's corner protested that a DQ win would end Tyson's string of knockout victories, and that a knockout would have been the inevitable result.

In July, after recording six more knockout victories, Tyson fought former world title challenger [[Marvis Frazier]] in [[Glens Falls, New York]], on another ABC Sports broadcast. Tyson won easily, charging at Frazier at the opening bell and hitting him with two consecutive uppercuts, the second of which knocked Frazier unconscious thirty seconds into the fight.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Archives |first=L. A. Times |date=July 27, 1986 |title=Tyson Says Hello, Goodby to Frazier in Round 1 |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-07-27-sp-1691-story.html |access-date=September 22, 2023 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US |archive-date=September 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928194255/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-07-27-sp-1691-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

After his win over Frazier, Tyson was booked to fight [[José Ribalta]] at the [[Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino]] in Atlantic City, New Jersey in 1986.<ref name="Mike Tyson: Facing a Giant">{{Cite news|url= https://fight-library.com/2024/03/15/mike-tyson-facing-a-giant/|title = Mike Tyson: Facing a Giant|newspaper = The Fight Library|date = March 14, 2024}}</ref> Ribalta would hit Tyson in the body throughout the fight. Tyson knocked down Ribalta three times in the 2nd, 8th, and 10th round when the referee called the fight off. Tyson would go on to say that Ribalta was his toughest fight commenting, "I hit Jose Ribalta with everything, and he took everything and kept coming back for more. Jose Ribalta stood toe to toe with me. He was very strong in the clinches," and "Ribalta was a game fighter who actually engaged me. I felt nauseous from all Ribalta’s body blows, even hours after the fight. I never felt that much general pain again."<ref name="Mike Tyson: Facing a Giant"/>

===WBC heavyweight champion===
====Tyson vs. Berbick====
{{See also|Trevor Berbick vs. Mike Tyson}}
On November 22, 1986, Tyson was given his first title fight against [[Trevor Berbick]] for the [[World Boxing Council]] (WBC) heavyweight championship. Tyson won the title by TKO in the second round, and at the age of 20 years and 4 months became the youngest heavyweight champion in history.<ref>Pinnington, Samuel., {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20070204021613/http://www.britishboxing.net/news_2062-Trevor-Berbick-The-Soldier-of-the-Cross.html Trevor Berbick&nbsp;– The Soldier of the Cross]}}, ''Britishboxing.net'', January 31, 2007. Retrieved March 11, 2007.</ref> He added the [[World Boxing Association|WBA]] and [[International Boxing Federation|IBF]] titles after defeating [[James Smith (boxer)|James Smith]] and [[Tony Tucker]] in 1987.  Tyson's dominant performances brought many accolades. Donald Saunders wrote: "The noble and manly art of boxing can at least cease worrying about its immediate future, now [that] it has discovered a heavyweight champion fit to stand alongside Dempsey, Tunney, Louis, Marciano, and Ali."<ref>{{cite news | title = Which fights will Tyson be remembered for? | first = Graham | last = Houston | url = https://www.espn.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=3372752 | access-date = May 17, 2010 | publisher = ESPN | archive-date = October 23, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081023215716/http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=3372752 | url-status = live }}</ref>

Tyson intimidated fighters with his strength, combined with outstanding hand speed, accuracy, coordination and timing.<ref>Para, Murali., [http://www.eastsideboxing.com/news/para2509.php "Iron" Mike Tyson&nbsp;– His Place in History] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120418173300/http://www.eastsideboxing.com/news/para2509.php |date=April 18, 2012 }}, Eastsideboxing.com, September 25. Retrieved April 17, 2007.</ref> Tyson also possessed notable defensive abilities, holding his hands high in the [[Peek-a-boo (boxing style)|peek-a-boo]] style taught by his mentor [[Cus D'Amato]]<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.sugarboxing.com/the-science-of-mike-tyson-and-elements-of-peek-a-boo-part-ii/ | title=The Science of Mike Tyson and Elements of Peek-A-Boo: part II | date=February 1, 2014 | publisher=SugarBoxing.com | access-date=August 14, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925144552/http://www.sugarboxing.com/the-science-of-mike-tyson-and-elements-of-peek-a-boo-part-ii/ | archive-date=September 25, 2015 | url-status=usurped | df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="peekaboo" /> to slip under and weave around his opponent's punches while timing his own.<ref name="peekaboo">Richmann [http://www.saddoboxing.com/2844-mike-tyson-kevin-rooney-reunited.html What If Mike Tyson And Kevin Rooney Reunited?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110321101023/http://www.saddoboxing.com/2844-mike-tyson-kevin-rooney-reunited.html |date=March 21, 2011 }}, ''Saddoboxing.com'', February 24, 2006. Retrieved April 17, 2007.</ref> Tyson's explosive punching technique was due in large part to crouching immediately prior to throwing a hook or an uppercut: this allowed the "spring" of his legs to add power to the punch.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.modernmartialartist.com/mike-tysons-arching-uppercuts-leaping-left-hooks-explained/ |title=Mike Tyson's Arching Uppercuts & Leaping Left Hooks Explained |publisher=themodernmartialartist.com |access-date=February 18, 2020 |archive-date=February 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200218134524/http://www.modernmartialartist.com/mike-tysons-arching-uppercuts-leaping-left-hooks-explained/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Among his signature moves was a right hook to his opponent's body followed by a right uppercut to his opponent's chin. Lorenzo Boyd, Jesse Ferguson and [[José Ribalta]] were each knocked down by this combination.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Boxing's Greatest Weapons Vol.2: Mike Tyson's Uppercut |url=https://ringsidereport.com/?p=51761 |access-date=March 14, 2023 |website=RingSide Report |language=en-US |archive-date=March 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230314123419/https://ringsidereport.com/?p=51761 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Unified heavyweight champion===
====Tyson vs. Smith, Thomas====
{{See also|Mike Tyson vs. James Smith}}
Expectations for Tyson were extremely high, and he was the favorite to win the [[heavyweight unification series]], a tournament designed to establish an undisputed heavyweight champion. Tyson defended his title against [[James Smith (boxer)|James Smith]] on March 7, 1987, in Las Vegas, Nevada. He won by unanimous decision and added Smith's [[World Boxing Association]] (WBA) title to his existing belt.<ref>Berger, Phil (1987), "Tyson Unifies W.B.C.-W.B.A. Titles", ''[[The New York Times]], Sports Desk, Late City Final Edition, Section 5, Page 1, Column 4'', March 8, 1987.</ref> "Tyson-mania" in the media was becoming rampant.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bamonte |first=Bryan |date=June 10, 2005 |title=Bad man rising |url=http://dailyiowan.lib.uiowa.edu/DI/2005/di2005-06-10.pdf |newspaper=[[The Daily Iowan]] |pages=12, 9 |access-date=July 30, 2017 |archive-date=October 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151024100324/http://dailyiowan.lib.uiowa.edu/DI/2005/di2005-06-10.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

He beat [[Pinklon Thomas]] in May by TKO in the sixth round.<ref>Berger, Phil (1987), "Tyson Retains Title On Knockout In Sixth", ''[[The New York Times]], Sports Desk, Late City Final Edition, Section 5, Page 1, Column 2'', May 31, 1987.</ref>

===Undisputed heavyweight champion===
[[File:Elgrafico 3564 tyson.jpg|thumb|Tyson on the cover of ''[[El Gráfico (Argentina)|El Gráfico]]'' in 1988]]

====Tyson vs. Tucker====
{{See also|Mike Tyson vs. Tony Tucker}}
On August 1 he took the [[International Boxing Federation]] (IBF) title from [[Tony Tucker]] in a twelve-round unanimous decision 119–111, 118–113, and 116–112.<ref>Berger, Phil (1987), "Boxing&nbsp;— Tyson Undisputed And Unanimous Titlist", ''[[The New York Times]], Sports Desk, Late City Final Edition, Section 1, Page 51, Column 1'', August 2, 1987.</ref> He became the first heavyweight to own all three major belts&nbsp;– WBA, WBC, and IBF&nbsp;– at the same time.

====Tyson vs. Biggs, Holmes, Tubbs====
Another fight, in October of that year, ended with a victory for Tyson over 1984 Olympic super heavyweight gold medalist [[Tyrell Biggs]] by TKO in the seventh round.<ref>Berger, Phil (1987), "Tyson Retains Title In 7 Rounds", ''[[The New York Times]], Sports Desk, Late City Final Edition, Section 1, Page 51, Column 1'', October 17, 1987.</ref>

[[File:Mike_tyson_knocks_out_tyrell_biggs.jpg|thumb|Tyson knocks down Biggs in the seventh round of their championship bout in 1987]]
During this time, Tyson came to the attention of gaming company [[Nintendo]]. After witnessing one of Tyson's fights, Nintendo of America president [[Minoru Arakawa]] was impressed by the fighter's "power and skill", prompting him to suggest Tyson be included in the upcoming [[Nintendo Entertainment System]] port of the ''[[Punch-Out!! (arcade game)|Punch-Out!!]]'' arcade game. In 1987, Nintendo released ''[[Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!!]]'', which was well received and sold more than a million copies.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.n-sider.com/contentview.php?contentid=221| title=Profile: Minoru Arakawa| publisher=N-Sider| access-date=October 11, 2011| archive-date=June 11, 2011| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611040601/http://www.n-sider.com/contentview.php?contentid=221| url-status=live}}</ref> It has retrospectively been considered one of the [[List of video games considered the best|greatest games of all-time]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=We rank the 100 greatest videogames |url=https://ew.com/article/2003/05/13/we-rank-100-greatest-videogames/ |access-date=2024-11-18 |website=EW.com |language=en}}</ref>

Tyson had three fights in 1988. He faced [[Larry Holmes]] on January 22, 1988, and defeated the legendary former champion by KO in the fourth round.<ref>Berger, Phil (1988), "Tyson Keeps Title With 3 Knockdowns in Fourth", ''[[The New York Times]], Sports Desk, Late City Final Edition, Section 1, Page 47, Column 5'', January 23, 1988.</ref> This was the only knockout loss Holmes had in 75 professional bouts.

In March, Tyson then fought contender [[Tony Tubbs]] in Tokyo, Japan, fitting in an easy second-round TKO victory amid promotional and marketing work.<ref>Shapiro, Michael. (1988), "Tubbs's Challenge Was Brief and Sad", ''[[The New York Times]], Sports Desk, Late City Final Edition, Section A, Page 29, Column 1'', March 22, 1988.</ref>

====Tyson vs. Spinks====
{{See also|Mike Tyson vs. Michael Spinks}}
On June 27, 1988, Tyson faced [[Michael Spinks]]. Spinks, who had taken the heavyweight championship from [[Larry Holmes]] via fifteen-round decision in 1985, had not lost his title in the ring but was not recognized as champion by the major boxing organizations. Holmes had previously given up all but the IBF title, and that was eventually stripped from Spinks after he elected to fight Gerry Cooney (winning by TKO in the fifth round) rather than IBF Number 1 Contender Tony Tucker, as the Cooney fight provided him a larger purse. However, Spinks did become the lineal champion by beating Holmes and many (including [[The Ring (magazine)|''Ring'']] magazine) considered him to have a legitimate claim to being the true heavyweight champion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/crowning-recognizing-lineal-champion-part-i--18453|title=Crowning and Recognizing A Lineal Champion|publisher=BoxingScene|author=Jake Donovan|date=February 16, 2009 |access-date=November 20, 2016|archive-date=January 18, 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130118083551/http://www.boxingscene.com/crowning-recognizing-lineal-champion-part-i--18453|url-status=live}}</ref> The bout was, at the time, the richest fight in history and expectations were very high. Boxing pundits were predicting a titanic battle of styles, with Tyson's aggressive infighting conflicting with Spinks's skillful out-boxing and footwork. The fight ended after 91 seconds when Tyson knocked Spinks out in the first round; many consider this to be the pinnacle of Tyson's fame and boxing ability.<ref>Berger, Phil. (1988), "Tyson Knocks Out Spinks at 1:31 of Round 1", ''[[The New York Times]], Sports Desk, Late City Final Edition, Section B, Page 7, Column 5'', June 28, 1988.</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://proxy.espn.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/020611 | publisher=ESPN | title=Say 'goodbye' to our little friend | date=June 11, 2002 | access-date=May 21, 2012 | first1=Bill | last1=Simmons | archive-date=July 19, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160719074820/http://proxy.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons%2F020611 | url-status=live }}</ref>

During this period, Tyson's problems outside the ring were also beginning to emerge. His marriage to [[Robin Givens]] was heading for divorce,<ref name="divorc1">[https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=950DE5DA1738F931A35755C0A96F948260 Sports People: Boxing; Tyson and Givens: Divorce Is Official] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080411080653/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=950DE5DA1738F931A35755C0A96F948260 |date=April 11, 2008 }}, ''AP via [[New York Times]]'', June 2, 1989. Retrieved April 17, 2007.</ref> and his future contract was being fought over by [[Don King (boxing promoter)|Don King]] and [[Bill Cayton]].<ref>[https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=950DE5D91131F933A15752C0A96F948260 Sports People: Boxing; King Accuses Cayton] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080411080648/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=950DE5D91131F933A15752C0A96F948260 |date=April 11, 2008 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'', January 20, 1989. Retrieved April 17, 2007.</ref> In late 1988, Tyson parted with manager Bill Cayton and fired longtime trainer [[Kevin Rooney (boxer)|Kevin Rooney]], the man many credit for honing Tyson's craft after the death of D'Amato.<ref name="peekaboo" /> Following Rooney's departure, critics alleged that Tyson began to show less head movement and combination punching.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/02/13/sports/tyson-failed-to-make-adjustments.html |work=The New York Times |title=Tyson Failed to Make Adjustments |date=June 24, 1991 |access-date=September 4, 2015 |first1=Phil |last1=Berger |archive-date=September 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923065040/http://www.nytimes.com/1990/02/13/sports/tyson-failed-to-make-adjustments.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://vault.si.com/vault/1991/06/24/wheres-the-fire-the-controlled-fury-that-not-long-ago-lifted-mike-tyson-to-the-pinnacle-of-his-sport-has-already-ebbed-as-have-his-prodigious-ring-skills |magazine=Sports Illustrated |title=Where's the fire? |date=June 24, 1991 |access-date=April 15, 2021 |first1=Richard |last1=Hoffer |archive-date=April 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415231739/https://vault.si.com/vault/1991/06/24/wheres-the-fire-the-controlled-fury-that-not-long-ago-lifted-mike-tyson-to-the-pinnacle-of-his-sport-has-already-ebbed-as-have-his-prodigious-ring-skills |url-status=dead }}</ref>

====Tyson vs. Bruno, Carl Williams====
In 1989, Tyson had only two fights amid personal turmoil. He faced the British boxer [[Frank Bruno]] in February. Bruno managed to stun Tyson at the end of the first round,<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/cult/ilove/years/1989/tv3.shtml Bruno vs Tyson] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140816151650/http://www.bbc.co.uk/cult/ilove/years/1989/tv3.shtml |date=August 16, 2014 }}, ''[[BBC]] TV''. Retrieved March 26, 2007.</ref> although Tyson went on to knock Bruno out in the fifth round. Tyson then knocked out [[Carl Williams (boxer)|Carl "The Truth" Williams]] in the first round in July.<ref>Berger, Phil (1989), "Tyson Stuns Williams With Knockout in 1:33", ''[[The New York Times]], Sports Desk, Late Edition-Final, Section 1, Page 45, Column 2'', July 22, 1989.</ref>

====Tyson vs. Douglas====
{{See also|Mike Tyson vs. Buster Douglas}}
By 1990, Tyson seemed to have lost direction, and his personal life was in disarray amidst reports of less vigorous training prior to the [[Buster Douglas]] match.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/sports/boxing/columns/story?columnist=rafael_dan&id=2080998|title=The Upset: Buster melts Iron Mike|work=ESPN|access-date=February 1, 2013|archive-date=October 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019071212/http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/boxing/columns/story?columnist=rafael_dan&id=2080998|url-status=live}}</ref> In a fight on February 11, 1990, he lost the undisputed championship to Douglas in Tokyo.<ref name="Kincade">Kincade, Kevin., [http://www.eastsideboxing.com/news.php?p=4063&more=1 "The Moments": Mike Tyson vs Buster Douglas] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101130145640/http://www.eastsideboxing.com/news.php?p=4063&more=1 |date=November 30, 2010 }}, ''Eastsideboxing.com'', July 12, 2005. Retrieved March 26, 2007.</ref> Tyson was a huge betting favorite; indeed, the Mirage, the only casino to put out odds for the fight, made Tyson a 42/1 favorite. Tyson failed to find a way past Douglas's quick jab that had a {{convert|12|in|cm|adj=on}} reach advantage over his own.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/02/13/sports/tyson-failed-to-make-adjustments.html | work=The New York Times | title=Tyson Failed to Make Adjustments | date=February 13, 1990 | access-date=October 22, 2012 | first1=Berger | last1=Phil | archive-date=May 24, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130524231249/http://www.nytimes.com/1990/02/13/sports/tyson-failed-to-make-adjustments.html | url-status=live }}</ref> Tyson did catch Douglas with an uppercut in the eighth round and knocked him to the floor, but Douglas recovered sufficiently to hand Tyson a heavy beating in the subsequent two rounds. After the fight, the Tyson camp would complain that the count was slow and that Douglas had taken longer than ten seconds to get back on his feet.<ref>Bellfield, Lee., [http://www.saddoboxing.com/2811-month-boxing-history-buster-douglas-mike-tyson-1990.html Buster Douglas&nbsp;– Mike Tyson 1990] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100522204024/http://www.saddoboxing.com/2811-month-boxing-history-buster-douglas-mike-tyson-1990.html |date=May 22, 2010 }}, ''Saddoboxing.com'', February 16, 2006. Retrieved April 25, 2007.</ref> Just 35 seconds into the tenth round, Douglas unleashed a brutal uppercut, followed by a four-punch combination of hooks that knocked Tyson down for the first time in his career. He was counted out by referee [[Octavio Meyran]].<ref name="Kincade" />

The knockout victory by Douglas over Tyson, the previously undefeated "baddest man on the planet" and arguably the most feared boxer in professional boxing at that time, has been described as one of the most shocking [[Upset (competition)|upset]]s in modern sports history.<ref>Staff, [http://static.espn.go.com/page2/s/list/010523upset.html Page 2's List for top upset in sports history] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090609110553/http://static.espn.go.com/page2/s/list/010523upset.html |date=June 9, 2009 }}, ''[[ESPN]].com'', May 23, 2001. Retrieved March 26, 2007.</ref>

===Return to the ring===
{{Main|Mike Tyson vs. Henry Tillman|Mike Tyson vs. Alex Stewart}}
Despite the shocking loss, Tyson has said that losing to Douglas was the greatest moment of his career: "I needed that fight to make me a better person and fighter. I have a broader perspective of myself and boxing."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thefightcity.com/baddest-myth-planet-legacy-douglas-vs-tyson|title=Tyson's thoughts on loss to Douglas.|date=February 10, 2020|access-date=September 15, 2020|work=Thefightcity|archive-date=September 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923012155/https://www.thefightcity.com/baddest-myth-planet-legacy-douglas-vs-tyson/|url-status=live}}</ref>

After the loss, Tyson recovered with first-round knockouts of [[Henry Tillman]]<ref>Berger, Phil (1990), "Tyson Wins in 1st Round", ''[[The New York Times]], Sports Desk, Late Edition-Final, Section 8, Page 7, Column 4'', June 17, 1990.</ref> and [[Alex Stewart (boxer)|Alex Stewart]]<ref>Berger, Phil (1990), "BOXING; Tyson Scores Round 1 Victory", ''[[The New York Times]], Sports Desk, Late Edition-Final, Section 8, Page 1, Column 5'', December 9, 1990.</ref> in his next two fights. Tyson's victory over Tillman, the 1984 Olympic heavyweight gold medalist, enabled Tyson to avenge his amateur losses at Tillman's hands. These bouts set up an elimination match for another shot at the undisputed world heavyweight championship, which [[Evander Holyfield]] had taken from Douglas in his first defense of the title.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/boxing/buster-douglas-vs-evander-holyfield-it-was-the-last-great-heavyweight-title-fight-and-douglas-a6712526.html|title=Douglas vs Holyfield was the last great heavyweight title fight|date=October 28, 2015|work=The Independent|access-date=September 5, 2017|archive-date=August 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828012138/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/boxing/buster-douglas-vs-evander-holyfield-it-was-the-last-great-heavyweight-title-fight-and-douglas-a6712526.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Tyson vs. Ruddock====
{{Main|Mike Tyson vs. Donovan Ruddock}}
Tyson, who was the number one contender, faced number two contender [[Donovan Ruddock|Donovan "Razor" Ruddock]] on March 18, 1991, in Las Vegas. Ruddock was seen as the most dangerous heavyweight around and was thought of as one of the hardest punching heavyweights. Tyson and Ruddock went back and forth for most of the fight, until referee [[Richard Steele (referee)|Richard Steele]] controversially stopped the fight during the seventh round in favor of Tyson. This decision infuriated the fans in attendance, sparking a post-fight melee in the audience. The referee had to be escorted from the ring.<ref>Bellfield, Lee., [http://www.saddoboxing.com/939-boxing-history-mike-tyson-ruddock.html March 1991-Mike Tyson vs. Razor Ruddock] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081122014507/http://www.saddoboxing.com/939-boxing-history-mike-tyson-ruddock.html |date=November 22, 2008 }}, ''Saddoboxing.com'', March 13, 2005. Retrieved March 15, 2007.</ref>

====Tyson vs. Ruddock II====
{{Main|Mike Tyson vs. Donovan Ruddock II}}
Tyson and Ruddock met again on June 28 that year, with Tyson knocking down Ruddock twice and winning a twelve-round unanimous decision 113–109, 114–108, and 114–108.<ref>Berger, Phil (1991), "Tyson Floors Ruddock Twice and Wins Rematch", ''[[The New York Times]], Sports Desk, Late Edition-Final, Section 1, Page 29, Column 5'', June 29, 1991.</ref> A fight between Tyson and Holyfield for the undisputed championship was scheduled for November 8, 1991, at [[Caesars Palace]] in Las Vegas, but Tyson pulled out after sustaining a rib cartilage injury during training.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/1991/03/20/pasticciaccio-tyson.html|title=Pasticciaccio Tyson|newspaper=[[la Repubblica]]|date=March 20, 1991|page=43|language=it|access-date=April 8, 2017|archive-date=April 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409200150/http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/1991/03/20/pasticciaccio-tyson.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Comeback===
{{Main|Mike Tyson vs. Peter McNeeley|Mike Tyson vs. Buster Mathis Jr.|Frank Bruno vs. Mike Tyson II|Bruce Seldon vs. Mike Tyson}}
Tyson was convicted of the rape charge on February 10, 1992, and was released in 1995. After being paroled from prison, Tyson easily won his comeback bouts against [[Peter McNeeley]] and [[Buster Mathis Jr.]] Tyson's first comeback fight was marketed as "He's back!"<ref name="Mike Tyson: Facing a Giant"/> and grossed more than US$96&nbsp;million worldwide, including a United States record $63&nbsp;million for [[pay-per-view|PPV]] television. The viewing of the fight was purchased by 1.52&nbsp;million homes, setting both PPV viewership and revenue records.<ref>[https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=990CE0DE1439F932A3575AC0A963958260 Sports People: Boxing; Record Numbers for Fight] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080411080703/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=990CE0DE1439F932A3575AC0A963958260 |date=April 11, 2008 }}, AP via [[New York Times]], September 1, 2005. Retrieved March 31, 2007.</ref> The 89-second fight elicited criticism that Tyson's management lined up "[[tomato can]]s" to ensure easy victories for his return.<ref>Sandomir, Richard (1995), "TV Sports; Who Must Tyson Face Next? A Finer Brand of Tomato Can", ''[[The New York Times]], Sports Desk, Late Edition&nbsp;– Final, Section B, Page 8, Column 1'', August 22, 1995.</ref> ''[[TV Guide]]'' included the Tyson–McNeeley fight in their list of the 50 Greatest TV Sports Moments of All Time in 1998.<ref>"50 Greatest TV Sports Moments of All Time", ''[[TV Guide]]'', July 11, 1998</ref>

===Second reign as unified heavyweight champion===
====Tyson vs. Bruno II, Seldon====
Tyson regained one belt by easily winning the WBC title against [[Frank Bruno]] in March 1996. It was the second fight between the two, and Tyson knocked out Bruno in the third round.<ref>Bellfield, Lee., [http://www.saddoboxing.com/967-boxing-history-1996-bruno-tyson-ii.html March 1996&nbsp;– Frank Bruno vs. Mike Tyson II] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080212035834/http://www.saddoboxing.com/967-boxing-history-1996-bruno-tyson-ii.html |date=February 12, 2008 }}, ''Saddoboxing.com'', March 18, 2005. Retrieved March 26, 2007.</ref> In 1996, [[Lennox Lewis]] turned down a $13.5&nbsp;million guarantee to fight Tyson. This would've been Lewis's highest fight purse to date. Lewis then accepted $4&nbsp;million from Don King to step aside and allow Tyson to fight [[Bruce Seldon]] for an expected $30&nbsp;million instead with the intention that if Tyson defeated Seldon, he would fight Lewis next.<ref>{{cite news|title=BOXING;Bronchitis Stops Tyson: Seldon Fight Is Off|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/07/04/sports/boxing-bronchitis-stops-tyson-seldon-fight-is-off.html|newspaper=The New York Times|date=July 4, 1996|access-date=May 3, 2017|archive-date=August 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828061955/http://www.nytimes.com/1996/07/04/sports/boxing-bronchitis-stops-tyson-seldon-fight-is-off.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Tyson added the WBA belt by defeating champion Seldon in the first round in September that year. Seldon was severely criticized and mocked in the popular press for seemingly collapsing to innocuous punches from Tyson.<ref>Gordon, Randy., [http://www.cyberboxingzone.com/boxing/randy.htm Tyson-Seldon 1–1–1–1–1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100112202309/http://www.cyberboxingzone.com/boxing/randy.htm |date=January 12, 2010 }}, ''Cyberboxingzone.com'', September 4, 1996. Retrieved March 26, 2007.</ref>

====Tyson vs. Holyfield====
{{Main|Mike Tyson vs. Evander Holyfield}}
Tyson attempted to defend the WBA title against [[Evander Holyfield]], who was in the fourth fight of his own comeback. Holyfield had retired in 1994 following the loss of his championship to [[Michael Moorer]]. It was said that Don King and others saw former champion Holyfield, who was 34 at the time of the fight and a huge underdog, as a washed-up fighter.<ref>Cohen, Andrew., [http://www.wie.org/j15/holyfield.asp Evander Holyfield: God Helps Those Who Help Themselves], ''What is Enlightenment Magazine'', Issue No. 15, 1999. Retrieved March 25, 2007. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080512022837/http://www.wie.org/j15/holyfield.asp |date=May 12, 2008 }}</ref>

On November 9, 1996, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Tyson faced Holyfield in a title bout dubbed "Finally". In a surprising turn of events, Holyfield, who was given virtually no chance to win by numerous commentators,<ref>Shetty, Sanjeev., [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/boxing/1636676.stm Holyfield makes history] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100427132210/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/boxing/1636676.stm |date=April 27, 2010 }}, ''[[BBC]] Sports'', December 26, 2001. Retrieved April 17, 2007.</ref> defeated Tyson by TKO when referee [[Mitch Halpern]] stopped the bout in round eleven.<ref>Katsilometes, John., [http://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/boxing/tyson-holyfield/stories/downside.html Holyfield knocks fight out of Tyson] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101206020530/http://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/boxing/tyson-holyfield/stories/downside.html |date=December 6, 2010 }}, ''[[Las Vegas Review-Journal]]'', November 10, 1996. Retrieved April 18, 2007.</ref> Holyfield became the second boxer to win a heavyweight championship belt three times. Holyfield's victory was marred by allegations from Tyson's camp of Holyfield's frequent [[headbutt]]s<ref name="AP-Canoe-1997">{{usurped|1=[https://archive.today/20130101070236/http://www.canoe.ca/BoxingTysonHolyfield/jun26_ref.html Tyson camp objects to Halpern as referee]}}, ''AP via [[Canoe.ca]]'', June 26, 1997. Retrieved April 18, 2007.</ref> during the bout. Although the headbutts were ruled accidental by the referee,<ref name="AP-Canoe-1997" /> they would become a point of contention in the rematch.<ref name="butt1">[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/464513.stm Tyson: 'I'd bite again'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091012003213/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/464513.stm |date=October 12, 2009 }}, ''[[BBC]] Sports'', October 4, 1999. Retrieved April 18, 2007.</ref>

===Post-title career===
====Tyson vs. Holyfield II====
{{Main|Evander Holyfield vs. Mike Tyson II}}
Tyson and Holyfield fought again on June 28, 1997. Originally, Halpern was supposed to be the referee, but after Tyson's camp protested, Halpern stepped aside in favor of [[Mills Lane]].<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://archive.today/20120629151035/http://www.canoe.ca/BoxingTysonHolyfield/jun28_ref.html Lane late replacement, center of action]}}, ''AP via Slam! Boxing'', June 29, 1997. Retrieved March 9, 2007.</ref> The highly anticipated rematch was dubbed ''The Sound and the Fury'', and it was held at the Las Vegas [[MGM Grand Garden Arena]], site of the first bout. It was a lucrative event, drawing even more attention than the first bout and grossing $100&nbsp;million. Tyson received $30&nbsp;million and Holyfield $35&nbsp;million, the highest paid professional [[Prize money|boxing purses]] until 2007.<ref>{{usurped|1=[http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20101205221658/http://www.canoe.ca//BoxingTysonHolyfield//jun25_hol.html Holyfield vs. Tyson&nbsp;– 'fight of the times']}}, ''AP via Slam! Boxing'', June 25, 1997. Retrieved March 9, 2007.</ref><ref name="Dahlberg">Dahlberg, Tim. [http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/05/10/sports/NA-SPT-BOX-De-La-Hoya-Mayweather-Revenue.php De La Hoya-Mayweather becomes richest fight in boxing history] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070512012652/http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/05/10/sports/NA-SPT-BOX-De-La-Hoya-Mayweather-Revenue.php |date=May 12, 2007 }}, ''AP via [[International Herald Tribune]]'', May 9, 2007. Retrieved November 2, 2007.</ref> The fight was purchased by 1.99&nbsp;million households, setting a pay-per-view buy rate record that stood until May 5, 2007, being surpassed by [[Oscar De La Hoya vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr.]]<ref name="Dahlberg" /><ref name="Umstead-2007">{{cite magazine|first=R. Thomas |last=Umstead |title=De La Hoya Bout Could Set a PPV Record |date=February 26, 2007 |url=http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6419487.html?display=Top+Stories |magazine=Multichannel News |access-date=March 25, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071215114151/http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6419487.html?display=Top%2BStories |archive-date=December 15, 2007 }}</ref>

Soon to become one of the most controversial events in modern sports,<ref>[https://www.espn.com/espn/espn25/story?page=listranker/25bigcontroversy ESPN25: Sports Biggest Controversies], ''[[ESPN]].com''. Retrieved March 9, 2007.</ref> the fight was stopped at the end of the third round, with Tyson disqualified<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://archive.today/20120525070330/http://www.canoe.ca/BoxingTysonHolyfield/jun28_fightstory.html Tyson DQd for biting Holyfield]}}, ''AP via Slam! Boxing'', June 29, 1997. Retrieved March 9, 2007.</ref> for biting Holyfield on both ears. The first time Tyson bit him, the match was temporarily stopped. Referee Mills Lane deducted two points from Tyson and the fight resumed. However, after the match resumed, Tyson bit him again, resulting in his disqualification, and Holyfield won the match. The first bite was severe enough to remove a piece of Holyfield's right ear, which was found on the ring floor after the fight.<ref>Buffery, Steve., {{usurped|1=[https://archive.today/20120629151036/http://www.canoe.ca/BoxingTysonHolyfield/jun29_buffery.html Champ chomped by crazed Tyson]}}, ''The [[Toronto Sun]] via Slam! Boxing'', June 29, 1997. Retrieved March 9, 2007.</ref> Tyson later stated that his actions were retaliation for Holyfield repeatedly [[headbutt]]ing him without penalty.<ref name="butt1" /> In the confusion that followed the ending of the bout and announcement of the decision, a near riot occurred in the arena and several people were injured.<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://archive.today/20120629151036/http://www.canoe.ca/BoxingTysonHolyfield/jun29_mayhem.html Dozens injured in mayhem following bout]}}, ''AP via Slam! Boxing'', June 29, 1997. Retrieved March 9, 2007.</ref> Tyson Holyfield II was the first heavyweight title fight in over 50 years to end in a disqualification.<ref>YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unpMEvEZXAA "Tyson vs Holyfield 2 full fight 18 min. 49 sec"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312200004/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unpMEvEZXAA |date=March 12, 2017 }}</ref>

As a fallout from the incident, US$3&nbsp;million was immediately withheld from Tyson's $30-million purse by the Nevada state boxing commission (the most it could legally hold back at the time).<ref>Buffery, Steve., {{usurped|1=[https://archive.today/20120629151036/http://www.canoe.ca/BoxingTysonHolyfield/jun29_money.html Officials may withhold Tyson's money]}}, ''The [[Toronto Sun]] via Slam! Boxing'', June 29, 1997. Retrieved March 9, 2007.</ref> Two days after the fight, Tyson issued a statement,<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://archive.today/20120629151036/http://www.canoe.ca/BoxingTysonHolyfield/jun30_ty.html The text of Mike Tyson's statement]}}, ''AP via Slam! Boxing'', July 30, 1997. Retrieved March 9, 2007.</ref> apologizing to Holyfield for his actions and asked not to be banned for life over the incident.<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://archive.today/20120629151036/http://www.canoe.ca/BoxingTysonHolyfield/jun30_ty4.html Tyson: "I am sorry"]}}, ''AP via Slam! Boxing'', July 30, 1997. Retrieved March 9, 2007.</ref> Tyson was roundly condemned in the news media but was not without defenders. Novelist and commentator [[Katherine Dunn]] wrote a column that criticized Holyfield's sportsmanship in the controversial bout and charged the news media with being biased against Tyson.<ref>Dunn, Katherine. [http://www.cyberboxingzone.com/boxing/box9-99.htm#kd Defending Tyson] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180916121958/http://www.cyberboxingzone.com/boxing/box9-99.htm#kd |date=September 16, 2018 }}, ''[[PDXS]] via cyberboxingzone.com'', July 9, 1997. Retrieved April 18, 2007.</ref>

On July 9, 1997, Tyson's boxing license was rescinded by the [[Nevada State Athletic Commission]] in a unanimous voice vote; he was also fined US$3&nbsp;million and ordered to pay the legal costs of the hearing.<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://archive.today/20120629151038/http://www.canoe.ca/BoxingTysonHolyfield/jul9_banned.html Tyson banned for life]}}, ''AP via Slam! Boxing'', July 9, 1997. Retrieved March 10, 2007.</ref> As most state athletic commissions honor sanctions imposed by other states, this effectively made Tyson unable to box in the United States. The revocation was not permanent, as the commission voted 4–1 to restore Tyson's boxing license on October 18, 1998.<ref>[http://static.espn.go.com/boxing/news/2002/0129/1319772.html Mike Tyson timeline] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090716021854/http://static.espn.go.com/boxing/news/2002/0129/1319772.html |date=July 16, 2009 }}, ESPN, January 29, 2002. Retrieved March 9, 2007.</ref>

During his time away from boxing in 1998, Tyson made a guest appearance at [[WrestleMania XIV]] as an [[Enforcer (professional wrestling)|enforcer]] for the main event match between [[Shawn Michaels]] and [[Stone Cold Steve Austin|Steve Austin]]. During this time, Tyson was also an unofficial member of Michaels's [[Professional wrestling stable|stable]], [[D-Generation X]]. Tyson was paid $3&nbsp;million for being guest enforcer of the match at WrestleMania XIV.<ref>{{IMDb name|5512|section=bio}}</ref>

{{Main|Mike Tyson vs. Francois Botha|Mike Tyson vs. Andrew Golota}}
{{quote box
| width = 40%
| align = right
| quote = "I'm the best ever. I'm the most brutal and vicious, the most ruthless champion there has ever been. There's no one can stop me. [[Lennox Lewis|Lennox]] is a conqueror? No! I'm [[Alexander the Great|Alexander]]! He's no Alexander! I'm the best ever. There's never been anyone as ruthless. I'm [[Sonny Liston]]. I'm [[Jack Dempsey]]. There's no one like me. I'm from their cloth. There is no one who can match me. My style is impetuous, my defense is impregnable, and I'm just ferocious. I want your heart! I want to eat his children! Praise be to Allah!"
| source =&nbsp;—Tyson's post-fight interview after knocking out [[Lou Savarese]] 38 seconds into the bout in June 2000.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4l0ZyKmeNE Mike Tyson] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016032917/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4l0ZyKmeNE |date=October 16, 2015 }}. YouTube (February 4, 2006). Retrieved on November 25, 2011.</ref>
}}

In January 1999, Tyson returned to the ring for a match against the South African [[Francois Botha]]. This match also ended in controversy. While Botha initially controlled the fight, Tyson allegedly attempted to break Botha's arms during a tie-up and both boxers were cautioned by the referee in the ill-tempered bout. Botha was ahead on points on all scorecards and was confident enough to mock Tyson as the fight continued. Nonetheless, Tyson landed a straight right hand in the fifth round that knocked out Botha.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/256442.stm Rusty Tyson finds the perfect punch] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060304074142/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/256442.stm |date=March 4, 2006 }}, ''[[BBC]] News'', January 17, 1999. Retrieved March 26, 2007.</ref> Critics noticed Tyson stopped using the bob and weave defense altogether following this return.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://transcripts.cnn.com/show/pitn/date/2002-06-01/segment/00|title=Profiles of Mike Tyson|work=CNN|date=June 1, 2002|access-date=September 9, 2013|archive-date=October 20, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020012207/http://edition.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0206/01/pitn.00.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Promoting the fight on [[Secaucus, New Jersey]] television station [[WWOR-TV]], Tyson launched into an expletive-laden tirade that forced sports anchor Russ Salzberg to cut the interview short.<ref>[https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tyson-blows-his-top-at-interview/ Tyson Blows His Top At Interview] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220110051145/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tyson-blows-his-top-at-interview/ |date=January 10, 2022 }}, ''[[CBS News]]'', January 13, 1999. Retrieved March 23, 2021.</ref>

Legal problems arose with Tyson once again. On February 5, 1999, Tyson was sentenced to a year's imprisonment, fined $5,000, and ordered to serve two years [[probation]] along with undergoing 200 hours of [[community service]] for assaulting two motorists after a traffic accident on August 31, 1998.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/272855.stm Tyson jailed over road rage] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101129011330/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/272855.stm |date=November 29, 2010 }}, ''[[BBC]] News'', February 6, 1999. Retrieved March 27, 2007.</ref> He served nine months of that sentence. After his release, he fought [[Orlin Norris]] on October 23, 1999. Tyson knocked down Norris with a left hook thrown after the bell sounded to end the first round. Norris injured his knee when he went down and said that he was unable to continue. Consequently, the bout was ruled a [[No contest (boxing)|no contest]].<ref>Feour, Royce., [http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/1999/Oct-24-Sun-1999/sports/12214536.html No-contest; more trouble] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101205192333/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/1999/Oct-24-Sun-1999/sports/12214536.html |date=December 5, 2010 }}, ''[[Las Vegas Review-Journal]]'', October 24, 1999. Retrieved March 15, 2007.</ref>

In 2000, Tyson had three fights. The first match in January was staged at the [[Manchester Arena|MEN Arena]] in Manchester, England against [[Julius Francis]]. Following controversy as to whether Tyson was allowed into the country, he took four minutes to knock out Francis, ending the bout in the second round.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/623865.stm Tyson wastes little time] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060417083357/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/623865.stm |date=April 17, 2006 }}, ''[[BBC]] Sport'', January 30, 2000. Retrieved March 14, 2007.</ref> He also fought [[Lou Savarese]] in June 2000 in [[Glasgow]], winning in the first round; the fight lasted only 38 seconds. Tyson continued punching after the referee had stopped the fight, knocking the referee to the floor as he tried to separate the boxers.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/sport/2000/tyson/804472.stm Tyson fight ends in farce] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110127100320/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/sport/2000/tyson/804472.stm |date=January 27, 2011 }}, ''[[BBC]] Sport'', June 25, 2000. Retrieved March 14, 2007.</ref> It was after this fight that Tyson called out Lennox Lewis with his post fight speech proclaiming to be the "best ever" and declaring, "I’m Sonny Liston. I’m Jack Dempsey … I’m cut from their cloth."<ref name="Mike Tyson: Facing a Giant"/> In October, Tyson fought the similarly controversial [[Andrew Golota]],<ref>Gregg, John., [http://www.boxingtimes.com/analyses/2000/001020tyson_golota.html Iron Mike Makes Golota Quit] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011110239/http://www.boxingtimes.com/analyses/2000/001020tyson_golota.html |date=October 11, 2007 }}, ''BoxingTimes.com'', October 20, 2000. Retrieved March 14, 2007.</ref> winning in round three after Gołota was unable to continue due to a broken cheekbone, concussion, and neck injury.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/golota-has-multiple-injuries-after-tyson-fight-636895.html|title=Golota has multiple injuries after Tyson fight|date=October 22, 2000|access-date=December 13, 2017|archive-date=December 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215092623/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/golota-has-multiple-injuries-after-tyson-fight-636895.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The result was later changed to no contest after Tyson refused to take a pre-fight drug test and then tested positive for [[cannabis (drug)|marijuana]] in a post-fight urine test.<ref>[[Associated Press]]. (2001), "PLUS: BOXING; Tyson Tests Positive For Marijuana", ''[[The New York Times]], Sports Desk, Late City Final Edition, Section D, Page 5, Column 4'', January 19, 2001.</ref> Tyson fought only once in 2001, beating [[Brian Nielsen (boxer)|Brian Nielsen]] in Copenhagen by TKO in the seventh round.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/boxing/1597519.stm Brutal Tyson wins in seven] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323024530/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/boxing/1597519.stm |date=March 23, 2012 }}, ''[[BBC]] Sport'', October 14, 2001. Retrieved March 25, 2007.</ref>

====Tyson vs. Lewis====
{{Main|Lennox Lewis vs. Mike Tyson}}
Tyson once again had the opportunity to fight for a heavyweight championship in 2002. [[Lennox Lewis]] held the WBC, IBF, [[International Boxing Organization|IBO]] and [[Lineal championship|Lineal]] titles at the time. As promising fighters, Tyson and Lewis had sparred at a training camp in a meeting arranged by Cus D'Amato in 1984.<ref>Rafael, Dan., [https://www.usatoday.com/sports/boxing/stories/2002-06-03-tyson-lewis.htm Lewis vs. Tyson: The prequel] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111206135649/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/boxing/stories/2002-06-03-tyson-lewis.htm |date=December 6, 2011 }}, ''[[USA Today]]'', June 3, 2002. Retrieved April 25, 2007.</ref> Tyson sought to fight Lewis in Nevada for a more lucrative box-office venue, but the Nevada Boxing Commission refused him a license to box as he was facing possible [[sexual assault]] charges at the time.<ref>[https://www.cbc.ca/sports/mike-tyson-rap-sheet-1.308253 Mike Tyson rap sheet], ''[[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|CBC]].ca'', January 12, 2007. Retrieved April 25, 2007.</ref>

Two years prior to the bout, Tyson had made several inflammatory remarks to Lewis in an interview following the Savarese fight. The remarks included the statement "I want your heart, I want to eat your children."<ref>York, Anthony., [http://archive.salon.com/news/sports/bounds/2000/06/28/bounds2/ "I want to eat your children, ...] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080513053629/http://archive.salon.com/news/sports/bounds/2000/06/28/bounds2/ |date=May 13, 2008 }}, ''[[Salon.com]]'', June 28, 2000. Retrieved March 26, 2007.</ref> On January 22, 2002, the two boxers and their entourages were involved in a brawl at a New York [[News conference|press conference]] to publicize the planned event.<ref>AP, [http://static.espn.go.com/boxing/news/2002/0122/1315536.html Tyson media circus takes center stage] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120915174724/http://static.espn.go.com/boxing/news/2002/0122/1315536.html |date=September 15, 2012 }}, ''[[ESPN]].com'', January 22, 2002. Retrieved March 14, 2007.</ref> A few weeks later, the Nevada State Athletic Commission refused to grant Tyson a license for the fight, and the promoters had to make alternative arrangements. After multiple states balked at granting Tyson a license, the fight eventually occurred on June 8 at the [[Pyramid Arena]] in [[Memphis, Tennessee]]. Lewis dominated the fight and knocked out Tyson with a right hand in the eighth round. Tyson was respectful after the fight and praised Lewis on his victory.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/boxing/specials/lewis_v_tyson_fight/2032422.stm Lewis stuns Tyson for famous win] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080930111120/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/boxing/specials/lewis_v_tyson_fight/2032422.stm |date=September 30, 2008 }}, ''[[BBC]] Sport'', June 9, 2002. Retrieved March 14, 2007.</ref> This fight was the highest-grossing event in [[pay-per-view]] history at that time, generating $106.9&nbsp;million from 1.95&nbsp;million buys in the US.<ref name="Dahlberg" /><ref name="Umstead-2007" />

[[File:BoxingHallOfFame 7 MikeTysonPosingAtTheBoxingHallOfFame.jpg|thumb|Tyson at the Boxing Hall of Fame, 2013]]
In another Memphis fight on February 22, 2003, Tyson beat fringe contender [[Clifford Etienne]] 49 seconds into round one. The pre-fight was marred by rumors of Tyson's lack of fitness. Some said that he took time out from training to party in Las Vegas and get [[Mike Tyson's face tattoo|a new facial tattoo]].<ref>[http://static.espn.go.com/boxing/news/2003/0222/1513016.html Etienne's night ends 49 seconds into first round] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120915174731/http://static.espn.go.com/boxing/news/2003/0222/1513016.html |date=September 15, 2012 }}, ''AP via [[ESPN.com]]'', February 22, 2003. Retrieved March 15, 2007.</ref> This eventually proved to be Tyson's final professional victory in the ring.

In August 2003, after years of financial struggles, Tyson finally filed for bankruptcy.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/boxing/3120237.stm Tyson files for bankruptcy] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101220064754/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/boxing/3120237.stm |date=December 20, 2010 }}, ''[[BBC]] Sport'', August 3, 2002. Retrieved March 15, 2007.</ref><ref>''In re Michael G. Tyson'', Chapter 11 petition, August 1, 2003, case no. 03-41900-alg, U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theboxinghype.com/mike-tyson-rags-to-riches-and-back-to-rags|title=Mike Tyson, Rags to Riches and Back to Rags|publisher=The Boxing Hype|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803092006/http://theboxinghype.com/mike-tyson-rags-to-riches-and-back-to-rags/|archive-date=August 3, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>  Tyson earned over $30&nbsp;million for several of his fights and $300&nbsp;million during his career.  At the time, the media reported that he had approximately $23&nbsp;million in debt.<ref>{{cite news|last=Sandomir|first=Richard|date=August 5, 2003|title=Tyson's Bankruptcy Is a Lesson In Ways to Squander a Fortune|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/08/05/sports/tyson-s-bankruptcy-is-a-lesson-in-ways-to-squander-a-fortune.html|url-status=live|access-date=December 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151121230853/http://www.nytimes.com/2003/08/05/sports/tyson-s-bankruptcy-is-a-lesson-in-ways-to-squander-a-fortune.html|archive-date=November 21, 2015}}</ref>

On August 13, 2003, Tyson entered the ring for a face-to-face confrontation against [[K-1]] fighter [[Bob Sapp]] immediately after Sapp's win against [[Kimo Leopoldo]] in Las Vegas. K-1 signed Tyson to a contract with the hopes of making a fight happen between the two, but Tyson's felony history made it impossible for him to obtain a visa to enter Japan, where the fight would have been most profitable. Alternative locations were discussed, but the fight ultimately did not take place.<ref>[http://www.tysontalk.com/article48.html K-1 Reports Official Mike Tyson Fight] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111118123147/http://www.tysontalk.com/article48.html |date=November 18, 2011 }}. Tysontalk.com (April 15, 2004). Retrieved on November 25, 2011.</ref>

On July 30, 2004, Tyson had a match against British boxer [[Danny Williams (boxer)|Danny Williams]] in another comeback fight, and this time, staged in [[Louisville, Kentucky]]. Tyson dominated the opening two rounds. The third round was even, with Williams getting in some clean blows and also a few illegal ones, for which he was penalized. In the fourth round, Williams took control of the fight landing a succession of accurate and powerful punches that knocked Tyson down. He failed to beat the count and was thus defeated by KO. After the fight, Tyson's manager claimed that Tyson had torn a [[ligament]] in his knee in the first round. This was Tyson's fifth career defeat.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/boxing/3935121.stm Williams shocks Tyson] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100126211649/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/boxing/3935121.stm |date=January 26, 2010 }}, ''[[BBC]] Sports'', July 31, 2004. Retrieved March 15, 2007.</ref> He underwent surgery for the ligament four days after the fight. His manager, [[Shelly Finkel]], claimed that Tyson was unable to throw significant right-hand punches since he had a knee injury.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/boxing/3942971.stm Tyson camp blames injury] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090420135023/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/boxing/3942971.stm |date=April 20, 2009 }}, ''[[BBC]] Sports'', July 31, 2004. Retrieved March 15, 2007.</ref>

===Retirement===
====Tyson vs. McBride====
{{Main|Mike Tyson vs. Kevin McBride}}
On June 11, 2005, Tyson quit before the start of the seventh round in a close bout against journeyman [[Kevin McBride]]. In the 2008 documentary ''[[Tyson (2008 film)|Tyson]]'', he stated that he fought McBride for a payday, that he did not anticipate winning, that he was in poor physical condition and fed up with taking boxing seriously. After losing three of his last four fights, Tyson said he would quit boxing because he felt he had lost his passion for the sport.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/boxing/4084744.stm Tyson quits boxing after defeat] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100720153747/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/boxing/4084744.stm |date=July 20, 2010 }}, ''[[BBC]] Sport'', June 12, 2005. Retrieved March 14, 2007.</ref>

In 2000 Tyson dismissed everyone who was working for him and enlisted new accountants, who prepared a statement showing he started the year $3.3&nbsp;million in debt but earned $65.7&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Tyson |first1=Mike |last2=Sloman |first2=Larry |title=Undisputed Truth |date=November 12, 2013 |publisher=Blue Rider Press |isbn=978-0399161285}}</ref> In August 2007, Tyson pleaded guilty to drug possession and driving under the influence in an Arizona court, which stemmed from an arrest in December where authorities said Tyson, who has a long history of legal contentions, admitted to using cocaine that day and to being addicted to the drug.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-tyson-plea-idUSN2427488820070924|title=Mike Tyson pleads guilty to drug possession|work=Reuters|access-date=July 1, 2017|archive-date=September 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924123615/http://www.reuters.com/article/2007/09/24/us-tyson-plea-idUSN2427488820070924|url-status=live}}</ref>

In his 2013 autobiography ''Undisputed Truth'', Tyson admitted to using the urine of his then wife Monica Turner to pass doping tests. He was married to Turner from 1997 to 2003. He also used his infant's urine for the same purpose.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ostlere |first1=Lawrence |title=Mike Tyson reveals how he used family's urine through fake penis to avoid failing drugs tests |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/boxing/mike-tyson-fake-penis-drug-test-b1719583.html |website=Independent |access-date=April 5, 2023 |language=English |date=November 9, 2020 |archive-date=April 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408001349/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/boxing/mike-tyson-fake-penis-drug-test-b1719583.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Return and second retirement===
====Tyson vs. Paul====
{{Main|Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson}}
In March 2024, it was announced that Tyson would be making his ring return against [[Jake Paul]] in a heavyweight bout on July 20, 2024, at [[AT&T Stadium]] in [[Arlington, Texas]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Iskenderov |first1=Parviz |date=7 March 2024 |title=Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson boxing fight set for July in Arlington, TX |url=https://www.fightmag.com/jake-paul-vs-mike-tyson-boxing-fight-set-for-july-in-arlington-tx/ |work=FIGHTMAG}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Heck |first1=Mike |date=7 March 2024 |title=Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson set for July 20 at AT&T Stadium, will stream live on Netflix |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2024/3/7/24093222/jake-paul-vs-mike-tyson-set-for-july-20-at-at-t-stadium-will-stream-live-on-netflix |work=MMA Fighting |language=en}}</ref> On April 29, 2024, it was announced that the fight would be sanctioned as a professional boxing match by Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations (TDLR).<ref>{{cite news |last1=Iskenderov |first1=Parviz |title=Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul eight-round pro boxing fight sanctioned |url=https://www.fightmag.com/mike-tyson-vs-jake-paul-eight-round-pro-boxing-fight-sanctioned/ |work=FIGHTMAG |date=29 April 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Tyson vs. Paul will be sanctioned pro fight |url=https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/40049533/mike-tyson-vs-jake-paul-sanctioned-professional-fight |work=ESPN.com |date=29 April 2024 |language=en}}</ref> On May 26, 2024, Tyson suffered an ulcer flare-up aboard a plane.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Schaffstall |first1=Katherine |title=Mike Tyson Suffers Medical Emergency on Plane to Los Angeles |url=https://www.intouchweekly.com/posts/mike-tyson-suffers-medical-emergency-on-plane-to-los-angeles/ |access-date=31 May 2024 |work=In Touch Weekly |date=27 May 2024}}</ref> On May 31, 2024, it was announced that the fight was postponed per medical advice from Tyson's doctor, allowing him to recover from his ulcer flare-up.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Iskenderov |first1=Parviz |title=Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul fight in July canceled, new date to be set |url=https://www.fightmag.com/mike-tyson-vs-jake-paul-fight-in-july-canceled-new-date-to-be-set/ |work=FIGHTMAG |date=31 May 2024}}</ref> On June 7, 2024, it was announced that the fight would take place at the same stadium on November 15, 2024.

Paul defeated Tyson via [[unanimous decision]] with the judges scoring the bout 80–72, 79–73 and 79–73 in favor of Paul.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Al Jazeera Staff |title=LIVE: Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul – heavyweight boxing fight |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/liveblog/2024/11/16/live-mike-tyson-vs-jake-paul-heavyweight-boxing-fight?update=3328532 |access-date=2024-11-16 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref><ref name="espn" />