Top 10 Mike Tyson moments that should be included in new biopic

Lately, Hollywood has been buzzing with the news that Oscar winner Jamie Foxx will be taking the challenge of playing boxing champion Mike Tyson in an upcoming biopic.

Photo Courtesy of: INFevents.com

This however, will not be Mike Tyson's first time receiving the biopic treatment. In 1995, HBO released a television biopic about the life of the boxer titled Tyson that starred Michael Jai White in his film debut. It has been nearly 20 years since anyone has taken a swing at portraying the former heavyweight champion and in that time, quite a bit has happened in the life of "Iron Mike" Tyson. So what major milestones in the life of one of the most well known boxers in sports history should be hit to make this movie a knockout? Here is a list of 10 moments in the life of one of the world's greatest boxers that should make it onto the big screen.

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10. Mike Tyson's time in prison after his 1992 conviction


During his time in prison, Mike Tyson's life underwent a series of changes including the death of his father and his conversion to Islam. The original 1995 film ends with Tyson's conviction for raping Miss Black America pageant contestant Desiree Washington. With his emotional performance as Ray Charles under his belt, Jamie Foxx could easily make this a compelling phase in the movie as opposed to a boring waste of film. Seeing Tyson adapt to his circumstances while in prison and watching him change and make decisions in response to his situation could easily be a highlight of the movie if it is handled correctly.
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9.Tyson's attempted 1995 comeback to boxing and the subsequent revocation of his boxing license

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This wasn't covered in the 1995 film simply because it hadn't happened yet, but this is easily one of the more universally well known moments of Mike Tyson's life. This period of time encompasses Mike Tyson's release from prison, his initially successful return to boxing and his popular rivalry with fellow champion Evander Holyfield. It also includes the infamous ear-biting incident which I doubt anyone has forgotten.
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8. Tyson's attempt at an Olympic career

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The road to success in any area is often an uphill battle and Mike Tyson is no exception to that rule. Before going pro, Tyson went for a spot on the Olympic boxing team but lost to eventual gold-medalist Henry Tillman in the 1984 trials. According to Biography.com, it was after this setback that Tyson and his mentor Cus D'Amato set their sights on the professional world of boxing.
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7. Mike Tyson's other marriages and family


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Since his very public and controversial marriage to Robin Givens, Mike Tyson has been married two more times. Seeing his relationship with these wives as well as his children would provide more insight into the family life of the often troubled Tyson.
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6. Tyson's addiction and sobriety


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Tyson's drug use was no secret to fans and the media alike. His struggle with sobriety and most recent stint in Alcoholics Anonymous provide an excellent opportunity to explore Tyson's attempts at rehabilitating both himself and his image. It would also give viewers a chance to see more of what Tyson's life was like outside the ring.
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5.Tyson's second boxing comeback in 1998


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While this comeback, which lasted from 1998 to 2005, was about as unsuccessful as Tyson's 1995 comeback, it was no less interesting. This comeback involves Tyson's highly publicized fight with Lennox Lewis, and the press conference brawl that nearly led to the fight's cancellation. This comeback was also Tyson's last before he officially retired from boxing in 2005 after a series of losses.
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4. Mike Tyson's relationship with Don King


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This is explored to some degree in the 1995 film but it would be interesting to see the parallels between the more business/money slanted relationship between Don King and Mike Tyson, and the more familial relationship he shared with Cus D'Amato. This film could also explore the deterioration of King and Tyson's relationship and show how Tyson went from having an amicable relationship with King to denouncing and eventually suing him.
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3. Tyson's relationship with Robin Givens

Video via Youtube courtesy of Erika West

This is another part of Tyson's life that was included in the 1995 film but I personally would like to see it handled a bit differently the second time around. In the 1995 biopic, Givens didn't get as much screen time and her character was mostly viewed through the eyes of Mike Tyson's friends and associates. It would be fascinating to see more of Mike Tyson's own interactions with Robin Givens as well as how their divorce played out.
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2.Mike Tyson's bankruptcy and homelessness

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After losing millions on his legal troubles and heavy spending, Mike Tyson filed for bankruptcy in 2003. After selling his mansion to rapper 50 Cent and bouncing around between homeless shelters and friends' homes, Tyson was able to rebuild his finances by doing endorsements and exhibition fights. This was one of the low points of Tyson's life to be sure but his ability to bounce back is a testament to his resilience and should definitely be featured in a new biopic.
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1. Mike Tyson's Broadway show Undisputed Truth

Video via Youtube Courtesy of: HBO
This could actually serve as an excellent framing device for the movie. What better way to hear the story of Mike Tyson than from Mike Tyson himself. The possibilities for how this show could be used and featured in the biopic are endless. It could be the narration of the movie, or the final scene, showing a changed man who has learned from his mistakes and is now able to share what he has learned with others. Either way, I'd venture to say that if nothing else on this list is included in the film, this show is a definite must!

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