Mike Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion in history at age 20. After a troubled youth, he was sent to reform school, where his boxing potential was spotted by Bobby Stewart, who directed him to trainer Cus D’Amato. Tyson and D’Amato developed a father-son relationship, and D’Amato later became his legal guardian.
D’Amato taught Tyson his signature peekaboo boxing style. Despite being shorter and stockier than the average heavyweight boxer, Tyson’s quickness and aggression overwhelmed opponents. On November 22, 1986, he secured the World Boxing Council (WBC) crown with a second-round knockout of Trevor Berbick, making history. He then acquired the World Boxing Association (WBA) belt on March 7, 1987, after defeating James Smith. After defeating Tony Tucker on August 1, 1987, Tyson was unanimously recognized as champion by the WBC, WBA, and International Boxing Federation (IBF).