Mike Tyson’s journey to becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world is one of the most extraordinary stories in boxing history. Before he became a legend in the ring, Tyson was already a feared fighter on the streets of 1970s New York. Growing up in the rough neighborhoods of Brownsville, Brooklyn, Tyson’s formidable reputation was forged at an incredibly young age.
From a tender age, Tyson found himself entangled in street fights, often battling multiple opponents in a single day. At a speaking event hosted by Valuetainment in 2021, Tyson opened up about his tumultuous upbringing and the constant brawls that defined his early years.

“All the time [I was street fighting], for money, yes,” Tyson recalled. “I must’ve had like three or four fights a day. For money or I was robbing somebody.”
By the time he was nine or ten years old, Tyson’s reputation as a knockout artist was well established. His natural fighting abilities made him a sought-after ally for the tough guys and criminals in his neighborhood.
“Yes, yes, yes,” Tyson confirmed when asked if he had a reputation on the streets. “I’m talking about from like age nine, ten. This stuff just came natural, that’s what I was made to do.”
Astonishingly, Tyson revealed that he weighed 200 pounds (14 stone) by the age of 12. His imposing size and strength made him a formidable opponent not just for kids his age, but also for their fathers.
“Listen, I was fighting the kid, then I was fighting their fathers. I’m serious,” Tyson recounted. “I might’ve hit them too hard, they were crying, went home and got their father. Then I would fight the father. My right hand to God, I’m telling the truth.”
At the Tryon School for Boys, Tyson met Bobby Stewart, a former boxer turned counselor, who recognized his boxing talent and began training him. Stewart soon introduced Tyson to the legendary boxing trainer Cus D’Amato, who would become his mentor and guardian.
Under D’Amato’s guidance, Tyson’s raw talent was refined, and he quickly rose through the ranks of amateur boxing. His early years of street fighting had instilled in him an unmatched toughness and resilience, which he carried into the ring. Tyson’s ferocious style and devastating power led him to become the youngest heavyweight champion in history at the age of 20.
Tyson’s journey from the streets of Brownsville to the pinnacle of boxing is a testament to his indomitable spirit and natural talent. Despite his troubled beginnings, he overcame numerous obstacles to achieve greatness. His story serves as a powerful reminder that even the most challenging circumstances can be overcome with determination and the right guidance.