How Many Fights Did Tyson Lose? Exploring Iron Mike's Professional Record

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29 Jul, 2025

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For many people, Mike Tyson stands as a powerful symbol of boxing's golden age, a truly unforgettable figure who captivated audiences with his raw strength and explosive knockouts. His early career, you know, was just amazing, seeing him tear through opponents with such speed and force. He became, arguably, one of the most talked-about athletes on the planet, drawing huge crowds and making headlines everywhere he went.

People often remember the incredible string of victories that built his legendary status, the way he just seemed unbeatable for quite a while. Yet, even the greatest athletes, especially in a sport as tough as boxing, face their moments of challenge and, sometimes, defeat. It's a natural part of any long and demanding career, really.

So, a question that often comes up, even today, is about the times he didn't win. How many fights did Tyson lose, and what happened in those particular matches? We're going to look closely at his professional boxing journey to give you a clear picture of those specific instances, going through each one in a bit of detail.

Mike Tyson: A Quick Look
Mike Tyson's Professional Losses: The Full Story
Frequently Asked Questions About Mike Tyson's Losses

Mike Tyson: A Quick Look

Before we get into the specifics of his losses, it's good to remember a little bit about the man himself. Mike Tyson, born in Brooklyn, New York, had a truly remarkable path to becoming a global icon. His early life was, in a way, quite rough, which shaped him into the fighter he became. He burst onto the boxing scene as a young man, showing an unbelievable talent for knocking out opponents, and that, you know, really caught everyone's attention.

He became the youngest heavyweight champion in history at just 20 years old, a feat that still stands out. His style was aggressive, powerful, and absolutely captivating to watch. He had a unique ability to intimidate his rivals even before the first bell rang. His career saw many high points, including unifying the heavyweight titles, but also some very public difficulties outside the ring. Here are some quick details about him, just so you have them.

Detail	Information
Full Name	Michael Gerard Tyson
Nickname(s)	Iron Mike, Kid Dynamite, The Baddest Man on the Planet
Nationality	American
Born	June 30, 1966 (age 57, as of late 2023)
Stance	Orthodox
Boxing Record	50 wins (44 KOs), 6 losses, 2 No Contests
Professional Debut	March 6, 1985
Last Professional Fight	June 11, 2005

Mike Tyson's Professional Losses: The Full Story

Mike Tyson's professional boxing career spanned from 1985 to 2005, a period that saw him compete in 58 official fights. Out of those numerous contests, he ended up with a record of 50 wins, 44 of which came by knockout, which is really quite a lot. However, the focus here is on the other side of that ledger: his losses. In total, Mike Tyson lost six professional boxing matches during his career. Each one, in its own way, tells a particular story about his journey, his opponents, and the changing tides of his boxing life.

The Shock in Tokyo: James "Buster" Douglas (1990)

The first professional loss for Mike Tyson came on February 11, 1990, in Tokyo, Japan, against James "Buster" Douglas. This fight, honestly, remains one of the biggest upsets in sports history, and people still talk about it quite a bit. Tyson was the undisputed heavyweight champion at the time, widely considered invincible, with an undefeated record of 37-0, and he was a massive favorite to win. Douglas, on the other hand, was seen by many as just another opponent, someone who was supposed to be a stepping stone for Tyson.

But Douglas, you know, had other plans. He put on the performance of his life, boxing brilliantly, using his jab effectively, and showing incredible resilience. He absorbed Tyson's powerful punches and kept fighting back. In the tenth round, Douglas landed a powerful uppercut that rocked Tyson, followed by a flurry of punches that sent the champion to the canvas. Tyson struggled to get up, but the referee counted him out. This loss wasn't just a defeat; it truly changed the landscape of heavyweight boxing, and many fans were just stunned by it.

The Comeback Challenge: Evander Holyfield I (1996)

After a period of incarceration and a few comeback fights, Mike Tyson challenged Evander Holyfield for the WBA Heavyweight Championship on November 9, 1996, in Las Vegas. This was, in a way, a highly anticipated fight, with Tyson looking to reclaim his dominant position at the top of the boxing world. He had won his first few fights back, often quickly, and many believed he was back to his old form, or pretty close to it.

However, Holyfield, who was himself considered past his prime by some, really surprised everyone with his strategy and grit. He didn't shy away from Tyson's aggression; instead, he met it head-on, clinching, counter-punching, and showing tremendous heart. Holyfield absorbed Tyson's best shots and wore him down over the rounds. In the eleventh round, Holyfield unleashed a barrage of punches that left Tyson unable to defend himself, leading the referee to stop the fight. This was a TKO loss for Tyson, his second professional defeat, and it showed that he was, perhaps, not quite as invincible as before.

The Infamous Rematch: Evander Holyfield II (1997)

The highly anticipated rematch between Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield happened on June 28, 1997, again in Las Vegas, and it's remembered for one of the most controversial moments in boxing history. This fight was, quite frankly, even more hyped than the first, with Tyson determined to avenge his loss and reclaim the title. The tension leading up to this bout was incredibly high, and you could feel it, really.

During the third round, Tyson bit Holyfield's ear, twice. The first bite, which took a piece of Holyfield's ear off, led to a two-point deduction. After a brief pause, the fight continued, but Tyson bit Holyfield's other ear shortly after. This shocking act led to Tyson being disqualified from the fight, resulting in his third professional loss. It was an event that sent shockwaves through the sports world and, honestly, became a defining moment in both fighters' careers, for better or worse. It was just an unbelievable thing to see.

The Undisputed Battle: Lennox Lewis (2002)

Years later, on June 8, 2002, Mike Tyson faced Lennox Lewis in Memphis, Tennessee, for the undisputed heavyweight championship. This was a fight that fans had wanted to see for a very long time, pitting two of the era's biggest names against each other. Lewis was the reigning champion, a skilled and powerful boxer, and Tyson was still a massive draw, despite his earlier losses and a few years away from the absolute top. The build-up was, you know, filled with a lot of drama, and it felt like a truly huge event.

The fight itself saw Lewis largely dominate, using his size, reach, and boxing skills to control the distance and land effective punches. Tyson tried to get inside and land his signature power shots, but Lewis was able to keep him at bay for the most part. In the eighth round, Lewis delivered a devastating right hand that knocked Tyson out cold. This KO loss was Tyson's fourth professional defeat, and it solidified Lewis's position as the top heavyweight of his generation, while, in a way, marking the end of Tyson's time at the very elite level.

Later Career Struggles: Danny Williams (2004)

As his career continued into the mid-2000s, Mike Tyson's performances showed signs of decline. His fifth professional loss came on July 30, 2004, against British boxer Danny Williams in Louisville, Kentucky. At this point, Tyson was 38 years old, and while he still possessed power, his speed and stamina were, you know, not what they once were. The fight was seen as an opportunity for Tyson to show he still had something left in the tank against a lesser-known opponent.

However, Williams, who was a solid contender, weathered an early storm from Tyson and then took control of the fight. He managed to hurt Tyson with a series of punches in the fourth round, ultimately knocking him down. Tyson was unable to beat the count, resulting in a knockout loss. This defeat was a clear indication that "Iron Mike" was no longer the dominant force he once was, and it was, in a way, a pretty tough moment for his fans to watch.

The Final Professional Bout: Kevin McBride (2005)

Mike Tyson's sixth and final professional loss occurred on June 11, 2005, against Kevin McBride in Washington D.C. This fight, honestly, marked the end of an era for many boxing fans. Tyson was 39 years old by this point, and it was clear that his passion and physical capabilities for the sport were fading. He took the fight, you know, perhaps for financial reasons, but his heart didn't seem to be fully in it.

The fight was a gritty affair, with McBride, a much larger man, leaning on Tyson and trying to wear him down. Tyson managed to land some punches, but he also looked exhausted and frustrated. After the sixth round, Tyson chose not to answer the bell for the seventh, retiring on his stool. This "retirement" loss was a somewhat sad end to a truly legendary, if turbulent, professional boxing career. It was, in some respects, a quiet farewell for a man who had once been the loudest presence in the sport.

So, to sum it up, Mike Tyson lost six professional fights over his career. Each of these defeats, from the shocking upset by Buster Douglas to his final retirement against Kevin McBride, tells a piece of the story of one of boxing's most compelling and complex figures. His losses, in a way, highlight the human side of a man often seen as indestructible, and they remind us that even the greatest can face setbacks. You can learn more about boxing legends on our site, and we also have information on the history of heavyweight champions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mike Tyson's Losses

How many times did Mike Tyson get knocked out?

Mike Tyson was knocked out, or stopped by knockout, in four of his six professional losses. These KOs came against James "Buster" Douglas, Lennox Lewis, and Danny Williams. The fight against Evander Holyfield in 1996 was a technical knockout (TKO), where the referee stopped the fight, and his final loss to Kevin McBride was a retirement on the stool (RTD), which is also a form of stoppage. So, basically, four times he was truly counted out or unable to continue due to punches.

Who were the boxers who defeated Mike Tyson?

The boxers who managed to defeat Mike Tyson in his professional career were James "Buster" Douglas, Evander Holyfield (twice), Lennox Lewis, Danny Williams, and Kevin McBride. Each of these fighters, you know, brought their own unique skills and strategies to their bouts with Tyson, leading to his defeats. It's quite a list of notable names, really.

What was Mike Tyson's final professional boxing record?

Mike Tyson's final professional boxing record stands at 50 wins, with 44 of those victories coming by way of knockout. He also had 6 losses and 2 no contests. This record, you know, definitely puts him among the most successful and impactful heavyweights in the sport's history, despite those specific losses we've talked about. It's a record that, in a way, speaks for itself.

For more detailed information on boxing records and statistics, you might find it useful to check out resources like BoxRec.com, which provides comprehensive data on professional boxers.