Mike Tyson, born June 30, 1966, in Brooklyn, New York, grew up in tough, crime-ridden neighborhoods and had a challenging family life. His biological father was reportedly a Jamaican cab driver, but he was raised by his mother and her partner, Jimmy Kirkpatrick, who left the family when Tyson was very young. Tyson’s mother passed away when he was 16, leaving him under the guardianship of boxing trainer Cus D'Amato, who became a pivotal figure in Tyson’s life and career.

From an early age, Tyson exhibited a raw talent for fighting, but he also struggled with law enforcement, having been arrested 38 times by age 13. Under D'Amato’s guidance, Tyson honed his skills, quickly rising in the boxing world. Known as "Iron Mike" and later "the Baddest Man on the Planet," Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion at age 20, securing multiple titles and achieving a knockout record. However, his career was marred by controversies, including a 1992 rape conviction, for which he served three years, and the infamous 1997 ear-biting incident with Evander Holyfield.
Despite setbacks, Tyson is celebrated as one of boxing's most formidable fighters, known for his aggressive style and knockout power. He is inducted into both the International and World Boxing Halls of Fame, solidifying his legacy as one of the sport’s greatest heavyweight champions.
In October 2012, Tyson launched the Mike Tyson Cares Foundation. The mission of the Mike Tyson Cares Foundation is to "give kids a fighting chance" with innovative centers that provide for the comprehensive needs of kids from broken homes.