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Mike Tyson: Triumph and Tragedy
Mike Tyson: Triumph and Tragedy In recent years, there have been few figures in the world of sports who have managed to gain a firmer hold of the public imagination than have Mike Tyson. One of the most intimidating boxers ever to take to the ring, Mike Tyson was often able to win the fight before it began; not many competitors relished the idea of going toe to toe with this man. He has done stints in prison, struggled with addiction and managed to make a scene whether in the ring or in his personal life. Mike Tyson's Rise to Stardom and the Heavyweight Championship By the time he reached adulthood, Mike Tyson already had racked up a string of arrests, having had dozens of run-ins with the law. However, it was boxing that began to turn his life around, giving him structure and an outlet for his energy. His trainer and in many ways, surrogate father Cus D'Amato ingrained focus and a competitive drive to win in the young Tyson. Following the death of this father figure, Tyson rapidly began to unravel and quickly fell from grace with the sports world. But all of this was still ahead of Tyson, who was quickly gaining a reputation as a fearsome puncher and a future champion. He disposed his first 19 opponents by knockout, the majority of which were finished in the first round. After winning the title, Tyson remained very active, defending his title and acquiring other title belts in quick succession. The man seemed to be unbeatable, and untouchable. The Beginning of the End Tyson's loss in the tenth round of a hard fought match against James Buster Douglas which marked the beginning of the end for the boxing icon. Tyson lost his title and the air of invulnerability which had theretofore surrounded him. Not long after, Tyson would be in prison after committing 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 Mike Tyson is most famous today for having a tribal tattoo on his face and repeatedly getting into trouble. He has been charged with possession of drugs and been in and out of rehab trying to get his life together. Rumors of another comeback routinely surface, igniting some people to nostalgically wish for the chance to see a former great heavyweight find the magic once more and other people standing in line, waiting to see the inevitable train wreck. Publicly, Tyson has shown remorse and shame for many of his actions, and acknowledges that he is in a work in progress, trying to find his way in the world. What that world has in store for Mike Tyson, nobody would be wise to try to predict. DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice. For the latest news and information about sports drop by the Nothing But Sports Site http://nothingbutsports.info/ today. |