This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 5/16/2007.
Mike Tyson is one of the most notorious boxers in prizefighting history thanks to his actions both inside the ring and out. Mike Tyson made his professional debut on March 6, 1985, in Albany, New York, a match he won by a first round knockout over Hector Mercedes. Fighting frequently in his first two years as a professional, Tyson won the first 19 of his 22 fights by knockout, 14 of which came in the first round. On November 22, 1986, Tyson was given his first title shot, fighting Trevor Berbick for the World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight title. Tyson, with his speed, power and angry aggression won the title by second round technical knockout, and at the age of 20 years and 4 months became the youngest heavyweight champion ever. He was the WBC Heavyweight Champion from November 22, 1986 - February 11, 1990 and again from March 16-September 24, 1996. For a brief time he seemed invincible, until he was knocked out by the lightly-regarded James "Buster" Douglas in 1990. Then Tyson began making headlines for different reasons and he eventually spent three years in prison. Tyson's fans considered him a troubled youth who battled long odds to become one the sport's greatest names, while his detractors said his behavior gave the sport a black eye. Tyson's fight career never quite recovered after his stint in jail, and he said he "most likely" wouldn't fight again after being defeated in a 7th-round technical knockout by journeyman heavyweight Kevin McBride in 2005. This is the famous and highly sought after WBC World Championship belt. Green leather with black stripes, portrays the flags of all the member-nations of the organization; the flags of the original member-nations are displayed on the belt’s gold and enamel center-plate, surrounding a boxer raising his arm in victory. Two medallions on either side portray Joe Louis and Muhammad Ali, attached to the centerpiece with gold chain. On the back of the belt is printed in black "Certified WBC World Champion, President" with facsimile signature. Mike Tyson has autographed this belt in blue marker on the right side. Our consignor acquired this directly from a member of Mike Tyson's camp circa 1990. Belt is EXMT-NRMT with light wear on the leather edges, signature is slightly faded and grades a 6 to 7. Please observe what appears to be this very belt in the photo with Don King. Accompanied by a LOA from JSA.