Mike TysonBoxing Legend, Noted Personality and Pigeon Fancier/Racer
As a child growing up on the harsh streets of Brooklyn, Mike Tyson was the product of constant bullying and violence. In fact, Tyson's first fight was over a pet pigeon, whose neck had been sadistically broken by one of his peers. Since that day, Tyson has had a lifelong passion for raising pigeons -- they provided him with solace, tranquility and escape throughout his difficult childhood and have been a source of comfort in his tumultuous life. Now, along with a band of close friends who share his love for these avian athletes, he enters the fascinating realm of pigeon racing. With nicknames such as "Iron Mike," "Kid Dynamite" and "The Baddest Man on the Planet," it's no surprise that Mike Tyson is considered one of the greatest and most feared boxers in the sport. Making his professional debut on March 6, 1985, the youngest heavyweight champion in history stormed into the boxing world, winning his premier bout by first-round knockout — the beginning of many similar victories that would ensue during his career. He went on to defeat some of the best boxers of the time, including James "Bonecrusher" Smith, Pinklon Thomas, Tyrell Biggs and Michael Spinks. After a brief break, Tyson powerfully reemerged on the boxing scene in 1995 to obtain the World Boxing Council title from Frank Bruno in March 1996 and claim the World Boxing Association title from Bruce Seldon in an astounding 93 seconds. In the late '90s, Tyson fought Evander Holyfield in the much publicized fight coined the "Sound and the Fury." In his 20 years of boxing, Tyson had a career record of 50-6 with 44 wins by knockout. Now retired from the sport, the boxing phenomena and pigeon fancier has successfully pursued his other professional interests, including the release of the Cannes Film Festival award-winning documentary Tyson, a gripping portrayal of his life told in his own words. He most recently appeared in the 2009 summer blockbuster comedy The Hangover and will reprise his role in the highly anticipated sequel, to be released in 2011. When he isn't acting or racing pigeons, Tyson lends his celebrity to a plethora of causes, including youth organizations. In addition, he is launching a variety of business ventures, from branding opportunities to charitable works. A devoted husband, loving father and compassionate individual who has defeated the odds, Tyson currently lives in Las Vegas with his wife and has pigeon coops in Jersey City, Brooklyn and Las Vegas. He is the executive producer of Taking on Tyson. |
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