Why Did Mike Tyson Start Boxing?

Mike Tyson’s entry into boxing wasn’t planned—it was the result of childhood struggle, street violence, and life-changing mentors.

Born on June 30, 1966, in Brooklyn, Mike Tyson grew up in poverty after his father abandoned the family. By age 12 he was involved in gangs, theft, and drastic behavior—including reportedly joining a gang that committed armed robbery. He was arrested 38 times by the age of 13 and engaged in around 150 street fights, which forged his raw fighting instincts.

Tyson was sent to the Tryon School for Boys, a reform school in New York. There, counselor and former Golden Gloves boxer Bobby Stewart spotted his immense potential. Tyson demanded to become a boxer and agreed to behave and focus on school.

Stewart introduced Tyson to the legendary trainer Cus D’Amato around age 14. D’Amato became Tyson’s legal guardian, adopted him into his Catskill home, taught him the “peek‑a‑boo” boxing style, and instilled discipline, mental toughness, and intellectual growth.

Under D’Amato’s guidance, Tyson flourished as an amateur—winning gold at the 1981 and 1982 Junior Olympic Games. D’Amato then transitioned him to professional boxing with the goal of becoming the youngest world champion. The strategy paid off: Tyson debuted in 1985 at age 18 and by age 20 had claimed the WBC heavyweight title, becoming the youngest in history .