Troubled champion: Lows and lows of Iron Mike

1966: Born June 30th, Brooklyn, New York.

1979: Taken by trainer Cus D'Amato from reform school.

1986: At 20 years 144 days, becomes youngest ever heavyweight champion by knocking out Trevor Berbick in second round to win WBC title.

1987: Charged with assault after allegedly hitting parking attendant who said he attempted to intervene when Tyson tried to kiss woman employee. Settles out of court.

1988: Marries actress Robin Givens. Givens and family accuse Tyson of violence. Breaks right hand in street brawl with former opponent Mitch Green. Knocked unconscious after driving his car into tree in a driveway. Police called to Tyson's home after he throws furniture out of the window and forces Givens and her mother to flee house. Givens sues for divorce. Sandra Miller sues Tyson for allegedly grabbing her, insulting her and propositioning her in New York while dancing at same nightclub on same night as Miller incident.

1989: Accused of slapping parking attendant outside LA nightclub but charges dropped. Fined $300 and sentenced to community service for speeding.

1990: Knocked out by James `Buster' Douglas in 10th round in Tokyo to lose world heavyweight title in one of the biggest upsets in boxing history. Sued by Phyllis Polaner, former aide to Givens, for sexual assault and harassment. New York City civil jury finds Tyson committed battery.

1991: Admits paternity of eight-month-old girl born to Kimberly Scarborough. Takes 18-year-old Miss Black America contestant Desiree Washington to his hotel room in early hours of morning. Washington files police complaint charging Tyson with rape. Indicted by Indianapolis special grand jury on rape and three other charges. Natalie Fears files £8million palimony and paternity lawsuit against Tyson.

1992: Convicted on rape and other charges, jailed for six years, out after three.

1996: Regains WBC heavyweight title with third-round stoppage of Frank Bruno in Las Vegas.

1997: On June 28th, challenges Holyfield for WBA title and is disqualified in the third round for biting his opponent's ears.

1997: Fined £2 million and lost Nevada boxing licence after being disqualified for biting Holyfield's ears in re-match.

1998: Accused of assaulting two motorists.