Mike Tyson, a retired American professional boxer, has a net worth of $15 million, and you can find more details about his biography, age, wife, height, weight, and other information on this page. Tyson is considered a unique and legendary figure in boxing history. He is widely regarded as the most successful former heavyweight boxer of all time, known for his ferocity, aggression, and intensity in the ring. He is often considered one of the most fearsome boxers to ever compete, with a reputation that has endured long after his retirement.
Who is Mike Tyson?
Michael Gerard Tyson, born on June 30, 1966, is a retired American professional boxer who had a successful career spanning from 1985 to 2005. During his early career, he was nicknamed “Iron Mike” and “Kid Dynamite,” but later gained the moniker “The Baddest Man on the Planet.” He is widely regarded as one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time, having held the undisputed world heavyweight championship from 1987 to 1990.
Tyson made a name for himself by winning his first 19 professional fights by knockout, with 12 of them coming in the first round. He holds the record for being the youngest boxer to win a heavyweight title, achieving this feat at the age of 20 years, four months, and 22 days old. Tyson was the first heavyweight boxer to simultaneously hold the WBA, WBC, and IBF titles, and he also unified them in succession. The following year, he became the lineal champion when he knocked out Michael Spinks in just 91 seconds of the first round. However, in 1990, Tyson suffered a devastating loss when he was knocked out by underdog Buster Douglas in what is considered one of the biggest upsets in boxing history.
Mike Tyson Net Worth 2023
Mike Tyson, a retired American boxer, was the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world in the late 1980s and one of the most famous and highest-paid athletes during his heyday. He achieved this success at a young age, becoming the youngest champion in history at age 20. However, he squandered and/or was bilked out of a personal fortune that topped $300 million at his peak, leading to his bankruptcy filing in 2003. At that point, he was reportedly $23 million in debt.
Despite his financial troubles, Mike Tyson remains a legendary boxer known for his charisma, flamboyance, and ferocity in the ring. He won numerous fights with knockouts in the first round and endorsed numerous brands and companies throughout his career. As of now, his net worth is estimated to be around $15 million, and his persona as a phenomenon in the boxing world will be remembered for generations to come.
| Name | Michael Gerard Tyson |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | Jun 30, 1966 |
| Place of Birth | Bedford-Stuyvesant |
| Gender | Male |
| Net Worth in 2023 | $15 Million |
| Profession | Former boxer |
| Monthly Income | $100,000 + |
| Yearly Income | $1 Million + |
Mike Tyson Biography Overview
Mike Tyson, born on June 30, 1966, in Brooklyn, New York City, is a well-known personality. However, his early life was full of difficulties as he grew up amidst trouble. His mother was said to be a promiscuous woman, and it’s possible that she worked as a prostitute.
Meanwhile, his father, Jimmy Kirkpatrick, was a street guy who left the family when Tyson was born. He passed away in 1992. Tyson also had an older brother and sister, with his sister passing away in 1990. When Tyson was 16 years old, his mother passed away, and he went on to live with his boxing coach, Cus D’Amato.
| Real Name or Full Name | Michael Gerard Tyson |
| Popularly Known As | Mike Tyson |
| Birth Place | Brooklyn, NY, United States |
| Date Of Birth | 30 June 1966 |
| Age | 56 years old |
| Height | In Centimetres – 178 cm In Feet and Inches – 5’10” |
| Weight | In Kilograms – 100 kg In Pounds – 220 |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Bald |
| Parents Name | Father – Jimmy Kirkpatrick Mother – Lorna Smith |
| Siblings | Rodney Tyson, Denise Tyson, Jimmie Lee Kirkpatrick |
| School | Portage Northern High School |
| College | N/A |
| Religion | Catholic |
| Nationality | American |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
| Gender | Male |
| Sexual Orientation | Straight |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Girlfriend | N/A |
| Wife/Spouse Name | Robin Givens (m. 1988-1989), Monica Turner (m. 1997-2003), Lakiha Spicer (m. 2009) |
| Kids/Children Name | Miguel Leon Tyson, Ramsey Tyson, Exodus Tyson, Mikey Lorna Tyson, Amir Tyson, Morocco Tyson, Milan Tyson |
| Profession | Former boxer |
| Net Worth | $15 million |
| Last Updated | 2023 |
Early Life
Michael Gerard Tyson, famously known as Mike Tyson, was born on June 30th, 1966, in Brooklyn, New York. Growing up in a tough neighborhood, Tyson had to face financial difficulties, and his stepfather was involved in gambling and crime. Tyson’s early life was marred by trouble, with him getting arrested for 38 crimes by the age of 13, mainly for fighting older children who teased him for his lisp.
However, Tyson’s talent for fighting was noticed by a juvenile detention instructor and a former boxer, leading him to train with several coaches before finding his mentor in Cus D’Amatto. After Tyson’s mother passed away when he was 16, D’Amatto became his legal guardian, and Tyson continued his training under Kevin Rooney’s guidance.
Mike Tyson’s Boxing Career
Mike Tyson’s early experiences with professional boxing were in the Junior Olympics, where he won gold medals in 1981 and 1982. He also competed in the 1984 Summer Olympics but lost against Henry Tillman in two bouts. Tyson’s first professional fight came at age 18, where he defeated Hector Mercedes with a first-round TKO. This marked the beginning of a trend for Tyson, who frequently ended fights in the first round.
Tyson’s career continued to progress as he fought more challenging opponents. With many predicting an early rise to stardom, he was on the fast track to success. However, in 1985, Tyson’s trainer and father figure, Cus D’Amatto, passed away, leaving Tyson without an important mentor early in his career. Many would later point out that this loss would have a destabilizing effect on Tyson’s life later on.
Mike Tyson: From Youngest Heavyweight Champion to Infamous Controversies
Mike Tyson burst onto the world stage with a nationally televised fight against Jesse Ferguson, where he won after Ferguson was disqualified for illegally clinching. Tyson continued to impress with a 30-second knockout victory over former world title challenger Marvis Frazier.
The Youngest Heavyweight Champion
In 1986, Tyson defeated Trevor Berbick in the second round, becoming the youngest heavyweight champion in history. The following year, he defended his title against James Smith, becoming the undisputed heavyweight world champion. Tyson then won the IBF title from Pinklon Thomas, making him the first heavyweight to hold all three major belts simultaneously.
Continued Dominance and Personal Problems
Tyson’s victories continued as he beat Larry Holmes, Tony Tubbs, and Michael Spinks in 1988. However, his career took a downward turn due to personal problems. Tyson fired Kevin Rooney, who was credited with building Tyson into a top fighter after the death of his mentor, Cus D’Amato.
Losses and Controversies
In 1990, Tyson suffered a major setback when he lost to Buster Douglas. Tyson’s mother had died just 23 days before the fight, and Douglas fought with passion and commitment, knocking Tyson out in the tenth round. Tyson’s legal troubles further impacted his career, as he spent six years behind bars after being arrested for rape.
Tyson’s comeback was initially successful, but he lost his WBA belt to Evander Holyfield, who had come out of retirement. In their rematch, Tyson infamously bit Holyfield twice and was disqualified. In 1999, Tyson returned to boxing to knock out Francois Botha but was imprisoned for nine months for assaulting two motorists.
Retirement
Tyson continued to knock out opponents in his attempted comebacks, but injuries and defeats ultimately led to his retirement in 2005. His last professional victory was in 2003 against Clifford Etienne.
Despite his controversial personal life and infamous antics in the ring, Tyson remains a legendary figure in boxing history.
Boxing Style
Cus D’Amatto was responsible for teaching Mike Tyson the “peek-a-boo” style of defensive boxing, characterized by a high guard and quick head movements. This aggressive style relied on counter-punching tactics that involved charging the opponent, inducing them to swing, and exploiting openings.
Tyson was recognized for his exceptional punching power and remarkable bobbing and weaving abilities. A significant part of Tyson’s punching power was derived from his legs, and his signature move often involved landing a powerful right hook followed by an uppercut to conclude fights.
Mike Tyson’s Earnings and Promoter Controversies
Contracts and Paydays
In 1987, Mike Tyson signed an eight-fight contract with HBO worth $27 million. This deal ended with his victory against Alex Stewart, which only took two minutes and 27 seconds. Later, he signed a longer-term contract with Showtime for several matches, including his fights against Holyfield I and II.
Throughout his career, Tyson earned at least $430 million from fights and endorsements, which would be approximately $700 million in today’s dollars. However, it was widely known that a significant portion of his earnings, especially from pay-per-view fights, went to his promoter, Don King.
Don King’s Controversial Fees
A court case later revealed that Tyson’s contract with King entitled the promoter to 30% of his earnings, which was technically illegal in Nevada. After additional fees, it was rumored that Don would take up to 50% off the top before paying Tyson. For instance, Don’s wife received $100,000 per fight as a consultant fee, and his sons received $50,000 per fight consulting fees. Tyson also paid the President of his fan club, who turned out to be Don King’s daughter, $1,000 per week at his peak.
Garnished Earnings
Tyson’s earnings were also garnished by creditors such as the IRS. For example, he earned $8 million for his fight against Danny Williams in 2004, but $6 million of those earnings were directly garnished by the IRS, leaving him with only $2 million.
Fight-by-Fight Breakdown
Here is a breakdown of Tyson’s paydays between November 1986 and his final professional fight in 2005. His largest payday was the $103 million he earned for fighting Lennox Lewis in 2002, with approximately $75 million coming from a pay-per-view bonus.
Mike Tyson Career Earnings
| Opponent | Purse | Inflation Adjusted |
|---|---|---|
| Trevor Berbick | $1,500,000 | – |
| James Smith | $2,000,000 | – |
| Pinklon Thomas | $2,500,000 | – |
| Tony Tucker | $2,500,000 | – |
| Tyrell Biggs | $2,500,000 | – |
| Larry Holmes | $5,000,000 | – |
| Tony Tubbs | $10,000,000 | $21 million |
| Michael Spinks | $20,000,000 | $42 million |
| Frank Bruno I | $8,000,000 | – |
| Carl Williams | $4,000,000 | – |
| Buster Douglas | $6,000,000 | – |
| Henry Tillman | $2,000,000 | – |
| Alex Stewart | $3,000,000 | – |
| Donovan Ruddock I | $6,000,000 | – |
| Donovan Ruddock II | $10,000,000 | – |
| Peter McNeeley | $25,000,000 | $42 million |
| Buster Mathis | $10,000,000 | – |
| Frank Bruno II | $30,000,000 | $50 million |
| Bruce Seldon | $30,000,000 | – |
| Evander Holyfield I | $30,000,000 | – |
| Evander Holyfield II | $30,000,000 | $49 million |
| Francois Botha | $10,000,000 | – |
| Orlin Norris | $9,000,000 | – |
| Julius Francis | $10,000,000 | – |
| Lou Savarese | $8,000,000 | – |
| Andrew Golota | $10,000,000 | – |
| Brian Nielsen | $5,000,000 | – |
| Lennox Lewis | $103,000,000 | $148 million |
| Clifford Etienne | $5,000,000 | – |
| Danny Williams | $8,000,000 | – |
| Kevin McBride | $5,000,000 | – |
| Roy Jones Jr | $10,000,000 | – |
| Total: | $423,000,000 | – |
Mike Tyson’s Exhibition Match with Roy Jones Jr.
In July 2020, Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr. made a surprising announcement that they were coming out of retirement to compete in an exhibition match. The event was sponsored by a company that reportedly paid $50 million to put on the fight. According to reports, each fighter could earn up to $10 million if all Pay-Per-View milestones were met.
Mike Tyson’s Charitable Donation
Shortly after the announcement, Mike Tyson declared that he would donate all of his earnings from the exhibition match to charity. However, his representatives later clarified that the exact amount of the donation would be determined after the bout. The donation would help those affected by the pandemic economically, medically, and socially. Despite the clarification, Mike remained committed to charitable causes at this stage in his life.
Mike Tyson’s Lavish Lifestyle
Mike Tyson was known for his luxurious lifestyle and extravagant purchases. He spent millions on mansions, cars, jewelry, and even a collection of Bengal tigers. In this article, we will examine some of Tyson’s most outrageous purchases.
House
Tyson owned several homes, including a 21-room mansion in Connecticut, which later became 50 Cent’s property. The mansion featured a nightclub and casino. He also owned houses in Las Vegas, Ohio, and Maryland. His Ohio mansion had gold-plated furnishings, pools, and a basketball court, while his $4 million Las Vegas property had an 11,000-square-foot mansion that he remodeled from scratch. Tyson spent $70,000 per tiger and kept them in a custom-built habitat in his backyard. He also employed an animal trainer for $125,000 per year to take care of his big cats.
Car Collection
Tyson owned over 100 cars during his lifetime, some of which were extremely valuable and rare. He bought 19 vehicles worth $4.5 million for his friends. He owned a Bentley that was one of only 73 produced and cost $500,000. After totaling a Range Rover in 1995, he told the repair shop to “keep it.” He would lend cars to friends and acquaintances and forget about them. He once bought five Bentley Azures for $1.5 million in a few minutes from a Las Vegas dealership.
Extravagant Purchases
One of the most outlandish purchases Tyson ever made was a $2 million golden bathtub for his first wife, actress Robin Givens. According to legend, he would periodically buy strangers lavish gifts like $100,000 watches. Tyson also spent $400,000 on pigeons and other big cats, $300,000 on lawn care and garden maintenance, and $230,000 on cell phones, pagers, and phone bills. He spent $240,000 per month as “walking around money” to spend on daily life flexing. He employed a person whose sole purpose was to wear army fatigues and shout “guerrilla warfare” at press conferences for $300,000 per year.
Mike Tyson’s lavish lifestyle and extravagant purchases are a testament to his success as a boxer. His purchases of cars, houses, and animals were extravagant, and he spent millions on gifts for friends and strangers alike. Tyson’s spending habits might seem outrageous, but they are a reminder of the excesses that can come with great wealth.
Mike Tyson’s Life in Las Vegas and High-Paying Personal Appearances
Mike Tyson has made Las Vegas his home for much of the last twenty years. In this article, we will explore Tyson’s life in Sin City and his lucrative personal appearance gigs.
Living in Las Vegas
Mike Tyson has called Las Vegas home for several years now. He has owned multiple properties in the city, including a $4 million mansion that he remodeled from scratch. Tyson has been known to frequent high-end restaurants and nightclubs in Las Vegas, where he can be seen socializing with fellow celebrities and party-goers.
Personal Appearances
One of the ways Tyson earns a living in Las Vegas is by making personal appearances at parties and corporate events. He charges a hefty sum of $75,000 for a two-hour appearance. Companies and individuals looking to hire Tyson for their events can expect a memorable experience with the former heavyweight champion of the world.
Tyson’s personal appearances are popular among sports enthusiasts, celebrities, and business executives. Tyson’s reputation as a boxing legend and his larger-than-life personality make him a popular attraction for events in Las Vegas and beyond.
Mike Tyson’s life in Las Vegas revolves around his personal appearances and socializing with fellow celebrities. His high-paying personal appearances make him a popular attraction at parties and corporate events, and he is known to charge a substantial fee for his services. Tyson’s life in Sin City is a testament to his enduring fame and popularity among sports enthusiasts and the entertainment industry.
Tyson’s Personal Life
Mike Tyson resides in Seven Hills, Nevada, and has been married three times. He has seven children, including one who is deceased, with three women.
First Marriage: Robin Givens
Tyson’s first marriage was to actress Robin Givens from February 7, 1988, to February 14, 1989. Givens was known at the time for her role on the sitcom Head of the Class. Their marriage was tumultuous, with allegations of violence, spousal abuse, and mental instability on Tyson’s part.
Second Marriage: Monica Turner
Tyson’s second marriage was to Monica Turner from April 19, 1997, to January 14, 2003. Turner worked as a pediatric resident at Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, D.C., at the time of their divorce filing. The couple had two children, son Amir and Ramsey who self-identifies as non-binary.
Third Marriage: Lakiha Spicer
Eleven days after his daughter’s death, Tyson wed for the third time to longtime girlfriend Lakiha “Kiki” Spicer, age 32. They exchanged vows on Saturday, June 6, 2009, in a short, private ceremony at the La Bella Wedding Chapel at the Las Vegas Hilton. The couple has two children, daughter Milan and son Morocco.
Tragedy in Tyson’s Personal Life
On May 25, 2009, Tyson’s four-year-old daughter Exodus was found by her seven-year-old brother Miguel unconscious and tangled in a cord, dangling from an exercise treadmill. The child’s mother, Sol Xochitl, untangled her, administered CPR, and called for medical attention. Tyson, who was in Las Vegas at the time of the incident, traveled back to Phoenix to be with her. She died of her injuries on May 26, 2009.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Mike Tyson’s net worth was estimated to be around $15 million USD.
Mike Tyson was born on June 30, 1966, which would make him 56 years old.
Mike Tyson reportedly makes over $1 million annually in salary.
Mike Tyson’s height is 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm).
Mike Tyson’s current wife’s name is Lakiha Spicer. They got married in 2009. Tyson has been married three times, with Robin Givens and Monica Turner being his previous wives.
