Here’s everything you need to know about Tyson’s legal troubles, including the rape trial that led to his prison sentence in the ’90s.
Mike Tyson has made one of the most incredible comebacks, leveraging his fame even after serving time as a convicted felon, including his high-profile Netflix fight with Jake Paul.
Here’s everything you need to know about his legal troubles, how long he was incarcerated, and more.
Did Tyson Go to Jail?
Yes, Tyson did go to jail. He was sentenced to six years in prison and served about three years before being released on parole in March 1995.
In July 1991, Tyson, then 25 years old, was arrested for the assault of 18-year-old Desiree Washington in an Indianapolis hotel room. Despite maintaining his innocence, Tyson was convicted of rape. Under federal law, he is required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.
What Did Tyson Say After Being Released From Jail?
In 2003, during an interview with Fox News Network, Tyson referred to Washington as “a lying, monstrous young lady,” adding, “I just hate her guts.”
“She put me in that state, where I don’t know… But now I really do want to rape her and her … mama,” he added, claiming that Washington accused him of the 1991 assault because she was “money hungry.”
In his memoir, Undisputed Truth, published in 2013, he recalled the lead-up to his trial.
“I spent most of the six weeks between my conviction for rape and sentencing traveling around the country romancing all of my various girlfriends,” starts the prologue. “It was my way of saying goodbye to them. And when I wasn’t with them, I was fending off all the women who propositioned me. Everywhere I’d go, there were some women who would come up to me and say, ‘Come on, I’m not going to say that you raped me. You can come with me. I’ll let you film it’.
“I later realized that that was their way of saying ‘We believe you didn’t do it’. But I didn’t take it that way. I’d strike back indignantly with a rude response. Although they were saying what they said out of support, I was in too much pain to realize it. I was an ignorant, mad, bitter guy who had a lot of growing up to do.”
Was Tyson Bankrupt?
According to The New York Times, Iron Mike had earned at least $400 million before filing for bankruptcy in 2003.
One of the key factors behind his financial struggles was his lavish lifestyle. He spent $4.5 million on cars and motorcycles, including 19 vehicles bought for friends. Tyson also spent $400,000 on pigeons and exotic animals, such as Siberian tigers.
(Photo by: The Ring Magazine via Getty Images)
Who Won the Paul-Tyson Fight?
Paul won by unanimous decision after both fighters went the full eight rounds, each lasting two minutes.
How Much Did Tyson Get Paid for the Paul-Tyson Fight?
Online sources, including DraftKings Network, estimated that Tyson earned around $20 million.
Compared to his previous earnings, the difference in pay is significant. After being released on parole and returning to boxing in 1995, Tyson earned $30 million for each of his next four matches. This included the infamous 1997 bout against Evander Holyfield, in which Tyson bit off part of Holyfield’s right ear. Tyson was disqualified from the fight, had his boxing license revoked, and was fined $3 million, but he was allowed to keep his purse from the fight.
If you or anyone you know has been sexually abused, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). A trained staff member will provide confidential, judgment-free support as well as local resources to assist in healing, recovering and more.