Born in New York City and brought up in Brooklyn. He was often arrested as a youth for petty crimes and eventually he was sent to Tryon School in upstate New York where he was taught to box by Bobby Stewart. Tyson proved to be a natural and his physical development (he weighed 200lb at age 13 and was strong rather than fat) only aided his cause. Stewart knew the respected trainer Cus D'Amato and in 1980 D'Amato was introduced to the boy.

Tyson made his debut in the professional ring on March 6, 1985 in Albany, New York. He won the fight in a single round. He had a further fifteen fights in 1985 winning them all by knock-out (KO) or technical knock-out (TKO) and almost all in the first round. He fought twelve times in 1986, cutting a dangerous path through improving ranks of journey-man fighters and already attracting attention and courting media controversy (v. Jesse Ferguson). On November 22, 1986 Tyson was given his first title shot, fighting Trevor Berbick for the WBC heavyweight title it took Tyson two rounds to become the youngest heavyweight champion ever.

In 1987 Tyson defended his title against James 'Bonecrusher' Smith on March 7 in Las Vegas, Nevada. He won on a unanimous points decision and added Smith's WBA title to his existing belt. 'Tyson mania' in the media was becoming rampant. He beat Pinklon Thomas in May with a KO in the sixth round. On August 1 he took the IBF title from Tony Tucker, winning on points to became "undisputed heavyweight champion of the world". His only other fight in 1987 was in October against the 1984 Olympic champion Tyrell Biggs, it was an workmanlike performance from Tyson ending with a seventh round TKO.

Tyson had three fights in 1988. He faced an aged and flabby Larry Holmes on January 22 which finished with a fourth round TKO. He fought an even flabbier man in Tony Tubbs in Tokyo in March, fitting in a easy two round demolition amid promotional and marketing work. On June 27 he produced a unexpectedly good performance against Michael Spinks, Spinks lasted fractionally over 90 seconds before his KO. Tyson's problems outside boxing were starting to gain prominence, his marriage to Robin Givens was heading for divorce, and his future contract was being clawed over by Don King and Bill Cayton.

In 1989 Tyson had only two fights amid personal turmoil. He faced the popular but limited British boxer Frank Bruno in February in a below-par fight over five rounds and a pointless one round 'clash' with Carl Williams in July.

By 1990 Tyson had lost direction

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