Saturday, February 14, 2009

Mike Tyson Info

By Denise I Smithson

Mike Tyson: Triumph and Tragedy

Few athletic figures in recent decades have captured the public's attention, for better or for worse, than Mike Tyson. At his best, Mike Tyson was one of the most feared boxers of all time. He won many a fight before stepping into a ring from the complete and utter fear that gripped his opponents at the thought of meeting this compact, muscle bound, wrecking ball of a man. At his worst, he has been in and out of jail, battling drug addiction and generally causing an unwanted havoc both in and out of the ring.

Mike Tyson's Rise to Stardom and the Heavyweight Championship

As a teen, Mike Tyson has multiple encounters with the law, having been arrested dozens of times. Finally, it was boxing which started to turn his life around. From his involvement in sports and more importantly, his relationship with his trainer Cus D'Amato he learned to focus on his goals - and his was winning. D'Amato was a father figure to the fledgling Tyson; and his death led to the unraveling of this American sports icon.other boxers of this man. He has done prison time, fought drug addiction and generally become infamous both in and out of the ring.

Tyson made a huge splash in the sport, becoming known almost overnight as a champion in waiting. In his first 19 bouts, he won by knockout, often before the first round was finished! Even after winning the title, Tyson continued to defend the title and won other belts soon after. It seemed that he was at least for the time being, unbeatable.

The Beginning of the End

Going into the contest as an overwhelming 42-1 favorite over James Buster Douglas, Douglas did not back down from the champion and ended up knocking him out in the tenth round. Tyson lost his championship and his aura of invincibility, and much else would soon follow. He would soon be in jail, serving out a multiyear prison sentence for rape.

Once released, Tyson returned to boxing; something which boxing enthusiasts and gawkers alike had looked forward to. Tyson regained a title belt soon - but then he faced Evander Holyfield and was stopped in his tracks in the 11th round. In a rematch of the bout, Tyson bit Holyfield's ear, a now infamous event. Tyson was disqualified, naturally. Since then there have been some comebacks and some crushing defeats, such as his loss to Lennox Lewis and Tyson is widely viewed as an athlete who has lost his drive and is merely desperate for money.

Mike Tyson Today

Currently, Mike Tyson is better known as a marginal celebrity who is frequently in rehab or being arrested. While comebacks are discussed from time to time, making many eager to see Tyson fight - or implode again, it is hard to say if a comeback is in the works. Tyson has stated that he is trying to mend his ways and expresses remorse for his misdeeds; but it is too early to say what the future may hold for this boxing legend. - 16887

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