When he first entered the sport, Mike Tyson was a strong young boxer with a knack for knocking out opponents.
But he has also faced plenty of controversy throughout his career, both inside and outside the ring.
Oh Mike. How do you always get yourself in trouble?
Let’s take a look at Tyson’s life over the years leading up to his recent announcement.
1985: Here’s Iron Mike
Tyson burst onto the boxing scene as a young and powerful 18-year-old heavyweight on March 6, 1985.
His first professional match was against Hector Mercedes, who Tyson knocked out in the first round.
1985-1986: String of Knockouts
After his pro debut, Tyson won his first 19 matches all by knockout.
Even more impressive was the fact that 12 of them came in the first round.
And at such a young age a title match would soon be in his future.
1986: WBC Title
He won the WBC title match at 20 years old after only two rounds.
Tyson knocked out Trevor Berbick in his first ever title fight and became the youngest heavyweight champion in boxing history.
1987-1988: WBC, WBA, IBF Titles
He was the first heavyweight to hold all three major belts at the same time.
Thus, cementing his claim as the undisputed heavyweight champion.
1988: Street Fighter
The devastating blow smashed Green’s face and left Tyson with a broken right hand.
The two were apparently arguing about money from their 1986 fight.
1988-1989: Marriage to Robin Givens
This was the year where Tyson’s marriage to actress Robin Givens received national exposure.
Stories about Tyson’s mental health and allegations of spousal abuse finally came to surface.
The couple was only married for less than a year before Givens filed for divorce.
1990: Buster Douglas
After starting his career 37-0, Tyson finally suffered his first defeat.
On February 11, 1990, Tyson lost to Buster Douglas by knockout in a match set in Tokyo.
1991: Sexual Assault
In 1991, Tyson was arrested after being accused of sexual assault by Desiree Washington.
He was sentenced to 10 years (six in prison, four in probation) for rape.
1992-1995: Prison and Conversion
His three years in prison offered him a lot of time to reflect.
Tyson converted to Islam, a religion he continues to practice today.1995: Comeback
After being released early from prison in March 1995, Tyson came back with a vengeance and defeated three fighters: Buster Mathis Jr., Frank Bruno, and Bruce Seldon.
He won all three matches by knockout and and was able to regain his lost WBC title from Frank Bruno.
1996: Tyson Vs. Holyfield
The Holyfield vs. Tyson match was a long-awaited bout for many fans.
Heading into the match, Tyson would be defending his newly acquired WBC title and be the favorite against the older Holyfield.
However, Tyson fell to Holyfield after a Round 11 TKO.
It was the second defeat of his career.
1997: Rematch and the Incident
This rematch of the two heavyweights will always be remembered for Tyson biting Holyfield’s ears.
His boxing license was rescinded for the incident but would later be restored in 1998.
2002: Last Championship Match
In 2002, with his best boxing days behind him, Tyson had one last chance for a heavyweight title match
With the IBF, IBO, and WBC titles on the line, a 35-year old Mike Tyson lost to Lennox Lewis.
2003: Bankruptcy
In 2003, Tyson faced a tough year. With a lifetime earnings estimated at $300 million, he had to file for bankruptcy.
2005: Retirement
Out of shape and with no more will to fight after losing three of his last four fights, Tyson called it a career in 2005.
2006-2007: DUI and More Jail Time
On December 29, 2006, Tyson was arrested for suspected DUI and drug possession after nearly crashing into a police SUV.
Tyson was sentence to 24 hours in jail, community service, three years probation, and was lauded by the judge for his attempts at drug rehabilitation.
2009: Death 0f Daughter
The biggest personal tragedy of his life was the death of his four-year old daughter, Exodus.
In a tragic accident in May 25, 2009, she was found unconscious and strangled by a cord hanging from a treadmill.
She died the next day as a result of injuries from the accident.
2009: Scuffle with Photographer
He was arrested in November 2009 for allegedly punching a photographer.
No formal charges were made against Tyson.
2009-2010: Cameos and a New Man
His cameo in The Hangover reacquainted him to the masses and the tragic loss of his young daughter endeared him to the public.
But it was his recent revelation that he used his earnings to feed his drug habit that once again has shocked the public.
Here’s to hoping that Mike won’t go back to his old drug addict ways and that he truly is a changed man.