Iron Mike turns 54 today!

There are very few people in the world who have had a career with as many ups and downs as Mike Tyson. From his rough childhood running the streets of New York, to becoming the youngest heavyweight champion ever, before his three-year prison stint, and post-boxing days as a successful entrepreneur, it’s as if he’s lived many different lives in his 50+ years.

In and out of the ring, his personality, face tattoo and voice have made him one of the most recognisable figures in the world, and it seems that these days he’s on a much more enlightened path having shown nothing but remorse for his wilder years. So, in honour of his birthday, let’s take a look at some of the moments that have etched Mike Tyson into history books:

Spinks Knockout

In 1998 as a 21-year-old Mike knocked out the undefeated Michael Spinks in Atlantic City in the first round, solidifying his claims that he was the world’s greatest heavyweight boxer at the time. Looking back it’s painful to watch as Spinks cops a couple on the chin rendering him completely legless:

Berbick Knockout

This was the one that made Mike Tyson the world’s youngest heavyweight champion ever at a mere 20 years, four months and 22 days old. Enough said.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeG7hjNuRVs

Botha Knockout

Following his ban from boxing after famously biting Evander Holyfield’s ear, Mike’s return wasn’t quite going to plan. Losing on points three rounds into the fight and not looking his best, Tyson delivered a right hand that sent Botha into next week.

Holmes Knockout

Apparently, Muhammad Ali instructed Mike to exact revenge his 1980 loss to him to Holmes – a task that Mike carried out via knockout in the fourth round. Holmes, who had been retired for two years leading up to the fight was no match for Mike in his prime.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXJfYhWhlA0

The Hangover Cameo

He’s got some acting chops too, well kinda… No one was expecting Iron Mike to dop into the biggest comedy of the 2010s, but here he is holding his own in front of the camera in Todd Phillips’ The Hangover.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9NtxDYU8G4

Weed Ranch

His recent foray into the weed business had many people scratching their heads, wondering how he’d ever handle his own business. Recent reports have stated the Tyson Holistic now rakes $1 million on a monthly basis. Who’s laughing now? Probably everyone who’s smoking some of their product I reckon.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJ24-B2Tmpk

His Cartoon

It takes a lot of humility to let people make a cartoon about you wherein you’re pretty much the butt of every joke (presuming Mike actually gets the jokes). Solving mysteries with his cartoon gang is probably the last place he expected his career to end up, but we’re glad he’s doing it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nwa_5kRyIP0

Crazy Stories

Yep, he’s definitely done some crazy shit in his life. If only someone would put some of this stuff in a movie… Oh wait, Jamie Foxx has signed on to portray Mike in an upcoming biopic and is reportedly hitting the gym on the reg trying to recreate that Tyson rig. For now, here’s some of our fave Tyson stories:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KsFK21ZxRtM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8DEpepPMNk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kERD1z6o0Y

This Interview

They claim that this is Mike’s funniest ever interview and they might be right. Sitting down in his mansion with Mexican puppet Diego, Mike chats about his favourite arrest and whether or not he would ever run for president. Check it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKCvZ9QcA6g

The Comeback

He ain’t done yet. Having recently started training again with Rafael Cordeiro and announcing that he’s keen to fight some exhibitions. We can only imagine what kind of a payday awaits the former champ if he does indeed step back into the ring…