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How tall is Mike Tyson? Former world heavyweight boxing champion once called himself ‘dwarf’

Even though Mike Tyson was shorter than many of his rivals, he still managed to become the youngest heavyweight champion at the age of 20

Full Name	Michael Gerard Tyson
Date of Birth	30 June, 1966
Age	57 (as of 2023)
Place of Birth	Fort Greene, New York
Height	5 ft 10 in (177 cm) approx
Weight	100 kg (220 lb) approx
Net Worth	$10 million
Parents	Jimmy Kirkpatrick, Lorna Smith
Spouse	Lakiha Spicer (m. 2009), Monica Turner (m. 1997–2003), Robin Givens (m. 1988–1989)
Children	6 - Mikey Lorna, Rayna, Amir, Miguel, Milan, Morocco

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA: Mike Tyson's height is 5 ft 10 in (177 cm), as per Celeb Heights. The boxing legend confirmed his height in 2005, apparently saying, "I measured myself as 5 ft 10 in....I'm a f*****g dwarf!"  

Later, in 2013, he doubled down on his claims and stated, "I'm only a small guy, I'm five foot ten." Mike Tyson’s height was significantly less than most other boxers during his peak time.

Irrespective of his height, Mike Tyson, widely regarded as the "Iron Mike," dominated the realm of boxing through the 1980s and 1990s with a ferocious fighting style. 

Tyson won 26 of his first 28 fights by TKO despite being relatively shorter than his giant opponents such as Evander Holyfield and Mitch Green.

Mike Tyson's height compared to peers and rivals

Mike Tyson was shorter than many of his rivals, but he still managed to become the youngest heavyweight champion at just 20 years old due to his agility, ferocious strength, and "peek-a-boo" fighting style, which was taught to him by a mentor.

Tyson was only 18 when he made his professional debut in 1985. Apparently, his fighting style led to him being compared with Mohammad Ali, who had a height of 6 ft 3 in (191 cm), making him taller than Mike Tyson. 

'The Hangover' star unarguably appeared short when paralleled with opponents like Evander Holyfield (6 ft or 187cm), Mitch Green (6 ft 5 in or 196 cm), Buster Douglas (6 ft 3 in or 192 cm), and Michael Spinks (6 ft 2 in or 189 cm).

Mike Tyson is just an inch shorter than Jake Paul, who has a height of 5 ft 11 (184 cm). The duo is known for having a good relationship, with Tyson often complimenting Paul on his fighting prowess. 

Mike Tyson's height was never a disadvantage for him

Even though fans were always curious about Mike Tyson’s height, they never perceived it as a disadvantage as he often knocked down his taller opponents with just one hook.

During a 1986 interview with Dick Cavett, Mike Tyson explained why he didn’t think his height was a problem, saying, "Well, like I said before, it’s all psychological."

Tyson added, "If you believe that a guy—everyone always says, ‘This guy has an advantage, a seven-inch reach advantage, four-inch height advantage.’ No one ever says he has a four-inch height disadvantage." 

Further in the interview, Mike Tyson revealed how he used his short height to his advantage. "I’m a much taller guy, and to hit you, I’m more adjusted to throwing my punch like this," said the boxing legend as he threw a punch over Cavett’s head.

"If you’re calm and relaxed enough, you could watch, and you could see everything. And you could watch every twitch of his muscles. But you have to have the confidence and the relaxation," expressed Tyson. 

What is Mike Tyson's net worth?

In addition to Mike Tyson’s height, fans are also interested to know about the fortune that he made over the years. Tyson's current wealth is $10 million, as per Celebrity Net Worth. 

This, however, doesn't justify what Iron Mike was worth during his boxing heyday. As per reports, Tyson spent a massive chunk of his net worth on elite luxuries.

Not only did he own big, expensive houses and other accommodations all around the globe, but he also bought exotic cars. At one point, he even had a white tiger, which reportedly cost him $71,000.

Decoding the myth of Mike Tyson's height in the ring

Mike Tyson’s birthplace and early life 

Mike Tyson was born on June 30, 1966, in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, New York City. His mother was described as a promiscuous woman who might have been a prostitute, and his biological father is listed as "Purcell Tyson," a "humble cab driver" from Jamaica on his birth certificate.

Tyson's father, Jimmy Kirkpatrick, abandoned the family around the time Mike was born, leaving Tyson's mother to care for the children on her own. Tyson has an older brother named Rodney (born circa 1961) and had an older sister named Denise, who died of a heart attack at age 24 in February 1990. Throughout his childhood, Tyson lived in and around neighborhoods with a high rate of crime. He dropped out of high school and was arrested 38 times by the age of 13. Tyson's boxing abilities were discovered by Bobby Stewart, who was a juvenile detention center counselor.

Mike Tyson’s boxing debut

Mike Tyson made his boxing debut on March 6, 1985, when he was 18. The venue was Albany, New York, and Tyson defeated Hector Mercedes via first-round TKO. This marked the beginning of Tyson's professional boxing career, which would later include 26 wins (20 of them by KO or TKO) and one loss.

Mike Tyson’s rise to boxing stardom 

Mike Tyson's rise to boxing stardom is a story of resilience and remarkable achievement. Born in a poverty-stricken and dangerous neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York, Tyson's early life was filled with struggles. Despite this, he found an outlet for his frustrations in boxing, and under the guidance of his trainer, Cus D'Amato, he began to shape his raw power and ferocity into a form that would change the world of boxing.

In the eighties, Tyson burst onto the boxing scene like a force of nature, becoming the youngest heavyweight champion in history at the age of twenty. His aggressive style and trademark power punches made him a global sensation. Tyson's journey from a difficult childhood to boxing stardom is a testament to the power of redemption and resilience.

Mike Tyson in Junior Olympics

As an amateur boxer, Mike Tyson won gold medals at the 1981 and 1982 Junior Olympics. In 1981, he defeated Joe Cortez, and in 1982, he beat Kelton Brown, whose corner threw in the towel in the first round. Tyson also won the gold medal at the National Golden Gloves in 1984, beating Jonathan Littles. However, Tyson did not compete in the Olympics. Despite this, his success in the Junior Olympics and other amateur competitions helped launch his professional boxing career, which would see him become one of the most famous and successful boxers of all time.

Mike Tyson’s key achievements and milestones

Here are some key achievements and milestones from Mike Tyson's career:

Tyson won gold medals at the 1981 and 1982 Junior Olympics.

He won the gold medal at the National Golden Gloves in 1984.

Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion in history at the age of 20.

He won his first 19 professional fights by knockout, with 12 of them in the first round.

Tyson was the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world from 1987 to 1990.

He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2011.

Tyson has been involved in several successful business ventures, including a popular podcast and a one-man show on Broadway.

In 2020, Tyson made a comeback to the ring at the age of 54, fighting Roy Jones Jr in an exhibition match.

Mike Tyson vs Trevor Berbick fight

The bout between Mike Tyson and Trevor Berbick unfolded on November 22, 1986, at the Las Vegas Hilton in Winchester, Nevada. This professional boxing match was fought for the WBC heavyweight championship. Tyson emerged victorious, clinching the title and becoming the youngest heavyweight champion in history at the age of 20. The win came in the second round, as Tyson delivered a decisive knockout. A right to the body followed by a left hook to the head left Berbick collapsing, prompting the referee to call an end to the fight.

Mike Tyson’s famous fights 

Mike Tyson's career is indeed peppered with iconic bouts. Some of the most memorable include:

Mike Tyson vs Trevor Berbick: On November 22, 1986, Tyson secured the title of the youngest heavyweight champion in history at the age 20, defeating Berbick with a second-round knockout.

Mike Tyson vs James Smith: March 7, 1987, marked Tyson's victory over James Smith, earning him the WBA heavyweight championship.

Mike Tyson vs Tony Tucker: August 1, 1987, witnessed Tyson's triumph over Tony Tucker, unifying the WBA and IBF heavyweight titles.

Mike Tyson vs Michael Spinks: In a mere 91 seconds on June 27, 1988, Tyson retained the WBA, WBC, and IBF heavyweight titles by defeating Michael Spinks.

Mike Tyson vs Evander Holyfield: The two encounters between Tyson and Holyfield are boxing legends. On November 9, 1996, Holyfield defeated Tyson, claiming the WBA heavyweight championship.

Mike Tyson vs Lennox Lewis: In a highly anticipated bout on June 8, 2002, Tyson faced Lennox Lewis, who emerged victorious with a knockout.

Mike Tyson's journey to becoming the ‘baddest man on the planet’

Tyson's professional journey skyrocketed in the 1980s, culminating in him becoming the youngest heavyweight champion in history at the age of 20. His aggressive style and trademark power punches turned him into a global sensation. As the world heavyweight champion, Tyson held the WBC, WBA, and IBF titles, showcasing a meteoric rise fueled by his boxing prowess, charisma, and larger-than-life personality.

However, Tyson's path also saw challenges, including a turbulent marriage to Robin Givens and a close friendship with Tupac Shakur. Despite the ups and downs, Tyson made a significant comeback in 2020 at the age of 54, engaging in an exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr. This comeback underscored his enduring impact and ability to reinvent himself as a formidable force in the ring.

Mike Tyson's retirement from boxing

Mike Tyson officially called it quits from professional boxing on June 11, 2005, concluding a remarkable 15-year career. His final bout, against Kevin McBride, ended in a seventh-round knockout loss. Over the course of his career, Tyson had held the WBC, WBA, and IBF heavyweight titles.

Despite his retirement, Tyson's passion for the sport endured. His 2020 comeback at 54 not only shattered records but also earned acclaim as one of the best fights of the year.

Mike Tyson's height compared to Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali was 6 feet 3 inches (191 cm) tall, making him taller than Mike Tyson.

Mike Tyson's height compared to Evander Holyfield

Evander Holyfield is also 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) tall, making him taller than Mike Tyson.

Mike Tyson's height compared to Floyd Mayweather Jr

Floyd Mayweather Jr is 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall, slightly shorter than Mike Tyson. 

Mike Tyson's height compared to Buster Douglas

Buster Douglas is 6 feet 3 inches (191 cm) tall, making him taller than Mike Tyson. 

Mike Tyson's height compared to Tyson Fury

Tyson Fury is 6 feet 9 inches (206 cm) tall, significantly taller than Mike Tyson. 

Mike Tyson's height compared to Lakiha Spicer

Lakiha Spicer is reportedly 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) tall, shorter than Mike Tyson. 

Mike Tyson's affairs and personal life

Mike Tyson's personal life has seen its share of significant relationships:

Robin Givens: Tyson's marriage to actress Robin Givens in 1988 was highly publicized and tumultuous. They divorced in 1989, with Tyson's memoir, 'Undisputed Truth', and various sources shedding light on the challenges and controversies, including an infamous incident involving Brad Pitt.

Monica Turner: Tyson was married to Dr Monica Turner for six years. They divorced in 2003.

Lakiha Spicer: Tyson tied the knot with Lakiha Spicer in 2009. Despite facing difficulties, including rumors of infidelity, they have remained together. Spicer has played a significant role in Tyson's life and has been involved in his business ventures. 

Did Mike Tyson die ?

No, Mike Tyson is not dead. 

How old is Mike Tyson ?

Mike Tyson was born on June 30, 1966. As of December 27, 2023, he is 57 years old. 

Why Did Mike Tyson go to prison ?

Mike Tyson went to prison due to several legal issues, including multiple counts of assault, drug charges, and a murder conviction. He was sentenced to six years in prison for the murder of his ex-wife, Robin Givens, and two years for drug charges. Tyson served nearly three years in prison and was released in 1999. 

Who is the richest boxer in the world?

Canelo Alvarez's net worth is estimated to be $200 million as of 2023, according to multiple sources. Forbes also reported that he had amassed a $275 million fortune as of 2023.

How much money did Don King take from Mike Tyson?

In 1998, Mike Tyson filed a $100 million lawsuit against Don King, alleging that King had defrauded him of money over the course of several decades. The legal dispute continued until 2004 when it was ultimately resolved, resulting in King agreeing to pay Tyson $14 million to settle the matter.