Mike Tyson, in full Michael Gerald Tyson, byname Iron Mike, (born June 30, 1966, Brooklyn, New York, U.S.), American boxer who, at age 20, became the youngest heavyweight champion in history. A member of various street gangs at an early age, Tyson was sent to reform school in upstate New York in 1978. At the reform school, social worker and boxing aficionado Bobby Stewart recognized his boxing potential and directed him to renowned trainer Cus D’Amato, who became his legal guardian. Tyson compiled a 24–3 record as an amateur and turned professional in 1985. D’Amato taught Tyson a peekaboo boxing