by Yousef Faroniya

20.07 - Mike Tyson has had a tumultous career which seems to be nearing an end. The most controversial sports figure, and the former "baddest man in the planet" has been at the top of the hill, as well as the bottom in his 17-year boxing career.

Many would argue that becasue of his disorderly conduct inside of the ring (ex. biting Holyfield's
ear, and trying to break Botha's arm), and outside the ring (a rape conviction and numerous assault charges), that "Iron" Mike should have no place in Canastota, New York. Many would hate the thought of seeing the troubled boxer next to such greats as Ali, Sanchez, Leonard, and Pep. Unfortunately, it is the Boxing Hall of Fame, and nothing else. It is a place where fighters are recognized for their accomplishments inside the ring. So let's examine Mike's accomplishments.

After going pro at the age of 19, it only took Mike until the following year to become the youngest heavyweight champ ever at the age of 20. He beat the record of Hall of Fame heavyweight Floyd Patterson. It only took Mike one more year to become the youngest undisputed champ ever at the age of 21. And if anyone questions his level of competition, take the example of his fight versus Michael Spinks. Spinks, a former light heavyweight and heavyweight champ was undefeated when he met "Iron" Mike inside the ring. The Hall of Famer Spinks was destroyed in only 91 seconds, and
retired after the fight.

These in itself are remarkeable feats not duplicated by anyone since. The sheer dominance and
savagery of his kayos made the young Mike Tyson into a household name, and is the last boxer to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated. His popularity enabled him to earn fight purses that earlier fighters could only dream of. He became the first fighter to make 20 million dollars in one fight.

Mike held the undisputed titles from 1987 until his shock loss to Buster Douglas in 1990. Mike came
back with a vengeance, quickly kayoing his next two opponents until legal troubles kept him out of the ring for over 3 years. After this hiatus, Mike quickly regained his WBC and WBA titles with wins over Frank Bruno and Bruce Seldon, respectively.

Tyson later lost these titles to future Hall of Famer Evander Holyfield. Mike has not won a title
fight since, but still remains the greatest draw boxing has ever seen. This was proven by the
astronomical pay-per-view numbers from the Lewis-Tyson bout.

For all the negativity and notoriety Tyson gained and brought to the sport, he also brought popularity and left fans hoping for another "Iron" Mike to eliminate competition with paralyzing and crushing knockouts.

Love him or hate him, Mike has accomplished much in his career, and is the most popular (and
controversial) boxer since Ali.