Mike Tyson is an American boxer who became the youngest heavyweight champion in history.
Tyson won his first 19 professional fights by knockout.
In 1992, he was convicted and served three years in prison.
So, Why Did Mike Tyson Go To Prison For 3 Years?
In 1992, Mike Tyson was convicted of raping 18-year-old Desiree Washington.
The incident occurred in July 1991 at the Canterbury Hotel in Indianapolis.
They first met at the rehearsal for the 1991 Miss Black America Pageant.
At the time, she was Miss Black Rhode Island as well as a contestant in the Miss Black America pageant.
Tyson was charged with rape, criminal deviate conduct, and criminal confinement.
Tyson’s defense was led by Vincent L. Fuller, a criminal defence lawyer from the prestigious Williams and Connolly law firm of Washington, D.C. He also defended Jimmy Hoffa and John Hinckley Jr.
@Getty
Fuller had a reputation as “one of the most skillful and respected defense attorneys.”
The charges were prosecuted by a team led by county prosecutor J. Gregory Garrison.
The proceedings attracted over 400 broadcasters and reporters from the US and 13 foreign countries.
He has always maintained his innocence. Several times, Mike denied he raped Desiree.
Mike Tyson poses for a portrait in January 1999 – @Getty
“I just hate her guts. She put me in that state, where I don’t know,” he stated during an interview in Miami Beach with Greta Van Susteren. “I really wish I did now. But now I really do want to rape her.”
At the time of the trial, his team argued that the sexual act was consensual.
He was sentenced to six years in prison after nearly 10 hours of deliberation by the jury. Tyson was also ordered to pay $30K in restitution to the victim.
“I don’t come here begging for mercy, ma’am,” Mike said before being sentenced. He added: “I can’t see anything good coming from this. I’m here prepared to expect the worst. I’ve been crucified, humiliated worldwide.”
His lawyers had unsuccessful appeals that were denied.
Mike Tyson at his home in 2000 with his Jaguar and Bentley in Las Vegas – @Getty
He served three years at the Indiana Youth Center, a high-security prison, before being released on parole in March 1995.
“I did not rape Desiree Washington,” Tyson wrote in his book Undisputed Truth (2013). “She knows it, God knows it, and the consequences of her actions are something that she’s got to live with for the rest of her life.”
During his three-year spell in prison, he converted to Islam. Tyson also used the jail gym to prepare for his boxing comeback.
Tyson exits prison, returns as a sporting ‘hero’
Upon his release, Mike was greeted by his girlfriend Monica Turner as well as his promoter Don King.
He was back in the ring five months following his return to society as a free man. Tyson fought with Peter McNeeley on August 19, 1995.
The fight lasted 89 seconds, with Mike earning an easy victory via disqualification.
Tyson retired in 2005 after losing to Kevin McBride.
Mike Tyson is seen on June 16, 2022 in Los Angeles – @Getty
In 2024, Tyson made his ring return against Jake Paul. Paul defeated Tyson via unanimous decision. Mike Tyson took home about $20 million.
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