BIRTH PLACE: Gassin, France
HEIGHT: 185 cm
WEIGHT: 86 kg
PREVIOUS CLUBS: Paris Saint Germain
BIRTH PLACE: Newcastle, England
HEIGHT: 182 cm
WEIGHT: 76 kg
PREVIOUS CLUBS: Southampton, Blackburn Rovers
BIRTH PLACE: Valle, Colombia
HEIGHT: 180 cm
WEIGHT: 71 kg
PREVIOUS CLUBS: Cucuta Deportivo (Colombia), Atletico Nacional (Colombia), Parma (Italy)
Below I have included some stuff about my fave boxer "MIKE TYSON".
Michael Gerald Tyson has experienced more in his 29 years than most people experience in their lifetime. He has had his ups and downs, but has became one of the greatest fighters in the history of boxing. It all started when Mike was born in Brooklyn, New York on June 30, 1966. At an early age, Mike's raw boxing ability was realized and harnessed by Bobby Stewart, a local social worker and boxing fan. With Stewarts guidance, he directed Tyson to the beloved and late trainer, Constantine "Cus" D'Amato. Bringing Tyson to the Catskill Mountains in New York, D'Amato nurtured Mike in and out of the ring. Eventually, Cus became Mikes legal guardian and inspiration leader. D'Amato was the driving force behind Tyson in the early years and his motivation was directly responsible for a fine amateur record of 24-3. Two controversial losses to Henry Tillman spoiled Tyson's chance to represent the United States in the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Tilman went on to win the gold medal in the heavyweight division at the '84 games.
Tyson turned pro on March 6, 1985, scoring a first-round knockout of Hector Mercedes and, in the process set a precedent for opponents who stepped in the ring with him. From that point on, Tyson set his sights on the heavyweight championship of the world. Finishing his first year with a record of 15-0, with 15 knockouts, Tyson's place at the top became more of a reality with each victory. Less than two years later after racking up 27 consecutive wins, Tyson signed to fight Trevor Berbick for the World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight title. On November 26, 1986, in less than six minutes in the ring, Mike Tyson was crowned heavyweight champion at the unprecedented age of 20. Not content at stopping at one title, Tyson's mission was to unify the heavyweight division and give the world it's first undisputed heavyweight champion since Muhammad Ali a decade before. Tyson accomplished the second leg of his mission on March 7, 1987, with a 12 round victory over James "Bonecrusher" Smith to add the World Boxing Association (WBA) belt to his growing collection.
Finally, less than five months later, his dream was complete. On August 1, 1987, Tyson became the undisputed world heavyweight champion by out-pointing Tony Tucker to claim the International Boxing Federation (IBF) belt, thus unifying the titles. He then went on to make six more successful defenses of his unified titles, Tyson defeated everyone in his paths including former champ Larry Holmes and then undefeated former champ Michael Spinks. For his 91 second destruction of Spinks, Tyson earned over $20 million, which at the time was the largest sum ever paid to an athlete. A pro for five years, Tyson entered 1990 with a record of 37-0 with 33 knockouts, rolling over most of his opponents with relative ease. On February 11, 1990, James "Buster" Douglas was his next victim. Listed as a 42-1 favorite, Tyson started believing that he could not lose to anyone, especially Buster Douglas. However, on that Sunday afternoon in Tokyo, Japan, Tyson lost his titles in what is seen as arguably the biggest upset in the history of professional sports. After a short, marriage and managerial mistrust, Tyson looked to his longtime friends, John Horne, Rory Holloway and Don King to be his men in the corner. Rebounding from the devastating loss in Tokyo, Tyson added two first round knockouts to close out 1990. Henry Tilman, Tyson's amateur nemesis was one victim and Alex Stewart became Tyson's 35th career knockout victim.
Attempting to regain his titles, Tyson's first fight in 1991 came against the hard-hitting Canadian, Donovan "Razor" Ruddock. Many believed Tyson should not have fought the dangerous challenger, but Mike was never one to back down from a fight. On March 18, they finally squared off, after a prior bout between them was canceled. Tyson won the first five rounds, scoring knockdowns in the second and third round. But Ruddock showing great determination, stunned the former champ in the sixth round. When the seventh round bell sounded, Tyson mounted a punishing attack, rattling Ruddock with four consecutive shots. With his back to Ruddock, referee Richard Steele controversially stepped in and stopped the contest with 38 seconds left in the round. They met in a rematch on June 28, 1991. Ending speculation over what would have happened had their first fight not been stopped prematurely, Tyson knocked Ruddock to the canvas twice and broke his jaw en route to a unanimous 12-round decision. After four straight wins following his stunning loss to Douglas, Tyson was back in position to challenge for his title As talks heated up with then champion Evander Holyfield, Tyson got into trouble outside the ring. With an impending trial looming, Tyson signed to fight Holyfield on November 8, 1991 in Las Vegas. Shortly before the fight, Tyson had to pull out with a rib injury. And before the fight could be rescheduled, Tyson was convicted of rape by an Indianapolis jury and sentenced to six years in prison. Serving his term at the Indiana Youth Center, Tyson's sentence was reduced because of good behavior and he was released on March 25, 1995, after serving three years.
Five days after his release, Mike made a statement to the public regarding his future. Announcing his plans to continue boxing, Mike re-confirmed Holloway and Horne as his co-managers and made it clear he was keeping his alliance with the "greatest promoter in the world," Don King. Contrary to speculation, Tyson stayed with the best team available. In addition, Tyson announced two exclusive deals, one to fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and the other with Showtime Networks Inc., where he will be seen exclusively, both fighting and providing commentary. Tyson was inactive for more than four years. Three of those years were spent never touching a glove, hitting a bag or even entering a ring.
He finally laced up the gloves and stepped back into the ring on August 19, 1995 at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas. Showing no ill effects from his layoff, it took Tyson only seven seconds to send his opponent, Peter McNeeley to the canvas. After a vintage right uppercut sent McNeeley reeling a minute later, Vinny Vecchione, Mc Nelley's manager, came in and stopped the fight. Even though McNeeley was up and seemed okay to continue, the fight was stopped and Tyson was rewarded the victory by disqualification. It is against the rules for a corner man to enter the ring during a round.
Staying active, Tyson signed to fight undefeated USBA heavyweight champion Buster Mathis Jr. on November 4, only ten weeks after his first fight in four years. However, on October 31, only four days before the fight, Tyson had to withdraw as a result of a broken right thumb sustained while training. The fight was rescheduled for December 16, 1995 at the CoreStates Spectrum in Philadelphia. Tyson came out swinging at Mathis early. Throwing a bomb after bomb, it took him until 2:32 of the third round before Mathis could no longer avoid him. Consecutive right hands sent Mathis to the canvas and he was unable to beat the mandatory ten count. It was Tyson's 37th knockout in 44 pro fights and his first since March of 1991.
Tyson then went on to regain his WBC and IBF champion belts with his next two fights. His first was against Frank Bruno on March 16, 1996, in which he got the knockout in the third round. And his second championship belt was by Bruce Seldon in which Tyson got the win with a knockout in the first round. Tyson would lose them to the biggest match he would have since being released from prison. It was against his long time nemisis, Evander Holyfield. This was the match that everyone was waiting for even Tyson and Holyfield. This would decide who is the best boxer today.
Being the greatest fight in a long time. Tyson landed a powerful punch that staggered Holyfield at the sound of the bell. But that wouldn't last. Holyfield came back and pounded away at Tyson for 11 rounds, and finally a tired, beat up Tyson lost when the fight was called by the referee, and Holyfield regained his belts. As many speculated, a rematch would come about. And it has. The big rematch fight will take place on June 21st, at the MGM Grand.
Becoming one of the most successful athletes in history presented many problems to a young man who had so many adverse situations affect his life. But Mike Tyson vows to show the world that it was no fluke he was and still will be the undisputed heavyweight champion . Tyson believes most successful people measure their achievements by how far they can get away from their roots, especially when they are from the ghetto. Tyson is proud of his roots and still holds many childhood friendships.
Below the IRON MIKE TYSON is in action.
