Few athletes have a reputation as fearsome as Mike Tyson. Known for his explosive power in the boxing ring, Tyson’s battles were not limited to sanctioned fights. Throughout his life, he found himself in numerous violent altercations outside the ring—facing street fights, threats at gunpoint, and even injuries from brutal encounters. Here’s a look at some of the most notable street fights and injuries Tyson has endured.
A Troubled Beginning: 150 Street Fights Before Fame
Long before he became the youngest heavyweight champion in boxing history, Tyson grew up in Brownsville, Brooklyn—a neighborhood notorious for crime and violence. By the time he was 13, he had already been arrested 38 times and had fought in around 150 street fights. In his own words, survival on the streets meant fighting, and Tyson learned quickly how to defend himself.
The Mitch “Blood” Green Brawl (1988)
One of Tyson’s most famous street fights happened in 1988 with former opponent Mitch “Blood” Green. The two had already fought in the ring two years earlier, but their rivalry continued outside. The incident took place outside a Harlem clothing store, where Green confronted Tyson over money. The heated argument escalated into a full-blown street brawl. Tyson landed several punches, breaking Green’s nose and eye socket. However, Tyson didn’t walk away unscathed—he suffered a hairline fracture in his right hand, which delayed a scheduled fight with Frank Bruno.
This wasn’t just a random fight—it was a public spectacle. Green, who was already known for being loud and confrontational, had been calling Tyson out for a rematch for months. When he spotted Tyson shopping in a Harlem boutique, he saw his opportunity to provoke him. Witnesses described the fight as a brutal one, with Tyson landing powerful blows before being pulled away. The aftermath left Green looking swollen and battered, and Tyson had to seek medical treatment for his fractured hand.
The Most Critical Street Fight: The Green Cadillac Incident (1989)
One of the most critical street fights in Tyson’s life occurred in 1989, often referred to as the “Green Cadillac Incident.” This fight took place in a Harlem neighborhood, just a year after his famous brawl with Mitch Green. The story goes that Tyson was driving his green Cadillac when another driver aggressively cut him off. Words were exchanged, tempers flared, and Tyson stepped out of his car. The situation quickly turned violent when the other driver, reportedly part of a local gang, tried to pull a weapon.
Tyson reacted instantly, delivering a devastating punch that knocked the man unconscious. However, things escalated when the gang members nearby recognized who he was. Realizing he was now in a dangerous situation, Tyson quickly fled the scene before things could take a turn for the worse. Witnesses later claimed that if he had stayed any longer, he could have been seriously injured or worse. This incident made Tyson realize that even though he was the most feared boxer in the world, he was not invincible on the streets. It was a wake-up call that pushed him to distance himself from unnecessary altercations.
Gunpoint Threat at a Hollywood Comedy Show (2022)
Even in recent years, Tyson has encountered danger outside the ring. In 2022, during a comedy show in Hollywood, an armed man challenged Tyson to a fight. The tension escalated when the man pulled out a gun, causing panic among the audience. However, in a surprising turn of events, Tyson remained calm and defused the situation without resorting to violence. The man eventually put the gun away and embraced Tyson, avoiding what could have been a tragic incident.
What’s remarkable about this situation is how Tyson handled it. Rather than reacting aggressively, as one might expect given his history, he took a composed approach. Tyson later explained that years of experience had taught him to remain calm in high-pressure situations. The incident showed how he had grown beyond the raw aggression of his younger days, choosing wisdom over violence.
The Street Attack That Led to Boxing (Early Years)
One lesser-known but crucial fight in Tyson’s life happened when he was still a young teen. At the time, he was constantly getting into fights, but one particular incident changed the course of his life. Tyson had a beloved pet pigeon, and one day, an older boy grabbed the bird and killed it in front of him. Enraged, Tyson attacked the boy, unleashing a violent barrage of punches. This was the moment that first revealed his raw fighting potential. Not long after, he was introduced to boxing trainer Cus D’Amato, who took him under his wing and transformed him into a world champion.
Other Street Altercations and Survival
Beyond these major incidents, Tyson has admitted to being involved in around 400 street fights throughout his life. His past includes encounters with dangerous individuals, altercations in nightclubs, and threats from people trying to challenge him. In one nightclub incident, Tyson reportedly knocked out multiple men in a single brawl when they tried to provoke him. Another time, he was involved in a scuffle with gang members, narrowly avoiding serious injury. Despite his intimidating presence, Tyson has expressed regret over his past behavior, acknowledging that his life outside the ring has been just as intense and, at times, even more dangerous than his professional career.
A Fighter Inside and Outside the Ring
Mike Tyson’s story isn’t just about boxing—it’s about survival. From street brawls in his youth to life-threatening encounters as an adult, he has faced violence at every stage of his life. While his fists made him a champion in the ring, it was his ability to navigate the dangers of the streets that made him the legend he is today.