Pictured
IRON SHAPE
Mike Tyson has been training hard for Roy Jones Jr and his physique now mirrors his prime years as heavyweight boxing’s knockout king
It’s been more than 15 years since Mike Tyson last stepped into the ring, but he certainly looks as though he means business.
Widely recognised as 'The Baddest Man on the Planet', Tyson is considered one of the best heavyweight boxers of all time.
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The legendary fighter is set to go head-to-head with fellow legend Roy Jones Jr on November 28 in an eight-round 'exhibition' clash.
While Tyson’s legacy is not under threat, he will not want to add to his career defeats tally. He claimed 50 wins while picking up his heavyweight titles, but was also on the end of six losses, including one against Buster Douglas that is still one of boxing's biggest shocks.
From an early age, violence was ingrained into Tyson, who lived in and around neighbourhoods with high levels of crime.
Tyson's very difficult upbringing caused huge emotional repercussions and personal pain, none more so than when his mother, Lorna Mae, died of cancer when he was just 16 years old.
Aside from boxing his love for pigeons also gave him a sense of perspective and peace. Ironically, it was a dead pigeon which prompted Tyson's first fight against a much bigger youth than him.
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A thug savagely killed Tyson’s pigeon in front of his own eyes, with the 10-year-old understandably resorting to violence to deal with the incident.
“The guy ripped the head off my pigeon. This was the first thing I ever loved in my life, the pigeon,” he explained.
“I don’t know why, I feel ridiculous just trying to explain it. Pigeons are just so much like people.”
By the age of 13, Tyson had already been arrested 38 times. He needed something to channel his aggression.
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In the care of boxing manager and trainer Cus D'Amato, who would become Tyson's legal guardian, he was able to do that.
Tyson won gold medals at the 1981 and 1982 Junior Olympic Games, defeating Joe Cortez and Kelton Brown respectively.
He also fought Henry Tillman twice as an amateur, losing both bouts by decision. Tillman went on to win heavyweight gold at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
Tyson made his professional bow as an 18-year-old on March 6, 1985, knocking out Hector Mercedes inside the first round.
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The warning signs were already there for the heavyweight division, as Tyson won 26 of his first 28 fight as a professional.
In November 1986, Tyson defeated Trevor Berbick by TKO inside just two rounds in his first world title fight, and at the age of 20 years and four months became the youngest heavyweight champion in history.
A year later Tyson defended his title against James Smith, winning by unanimous decision.
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Tyson was untouchable during this period and in the shape of his life.
When Tyson went head-to-head with Michael Spinks, a close battle was predicted. It was nothing of the sort.
After 91 seconds the contest was over, as 'Iron Mike' knocked his title rival out in devastating fashion.
Relive 'Iron' Mike Tyson's intimidating ring walk to the sound of chains before 1988 fight with Michael Spinks in New York
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Controversy clouded what should have been Tyson's best years and he served three of a six-year prison sentence for rape.
On his return he was back to doing what he was best at and beat Peter McNeeley then fought and lost to Evander Holyfield twice, as well as Lennox Lewis. Tyson ended his career with defeat to Kevin McBride in 2005.
He's now in arguably the shape of his life and at 54 make a return to the ring. Whether that is a good decision by Tyson time will tell, but his comeback certainly won't be a dull occasion - that much is for certain.
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