Havens,+Andrew

(UNDER CONSTRUCTION)

** A. Plan of Investigation ** ** (121 Words) ** // To what extent was Mike Tyson's downfall a direct result of his upbringing, both in Brooklyn and Catskill? //   The purpose of this investigation is to examine the extent to which Mike Tyson's upbringing brought about his famed downfall. In order to evaluate this question, one must explore the events and circumstances that led to Tyson's fall from heavyweight champion of the world to prison and bankruptcy. This detailed analysis outlines Tyson's struggles throughout his boxing career, from his early years as an amateur to his rise and fall from the heavyweight championship of the world. Both primary, //Tyson,// and secondary sources, //Bad Intentions: The Mike Tyson Story,// will be used and evaluated in this investigation for their value, purpose and limitations. ** B. **** Summary of Evidence (504 Words) ** Don King said of Mike Tyson, “He is a model for our youth, an American hero for us all… He represents America… He is our ambassador of goodwill to all peoples of the world. Indeed he is one of our national treasures. Boxing needs a hero…and God sent Mike Tyson.” At the early age of twenty-one, Mike Tyson transcended history to become the youngest undisputed heavyweight champion of the world and draw comparisons to the greatest boxers of all time. But the fame and fortune did not last, the true story of Mike Tyson’s life is more accurately described by a quote from F. Scott Fitzgerald, “show me a hero and I’ll write you a tragedy” (Mike Tyson). Tyson turned pro at the age of eighteen. He quickly amassed a record to be reckoned with and a public persona of an "invincible destroyer" (Heller, 108). Shortly thereafter he began his assault on boxing's biggest stage, the heavyweight title, a division that had "fallen on hard times due to the activities of promoter Don King...and the [sport's] three sanctioning bodies--the World Boxing Council, the World Boxing Association and the International Boxing Federation (Heller, 136). At twenty-one years and one month Tyson beat Tony Tucker in a unanimous decision and claimed the IBF heavyweight title, becoming the youngest undisputed heavyweight champion in the history of the sport. In just two and a half years as a professional, his ring earnings exceeded $14 million. "The day following his victory over Tucker, Tyson was crowned "king of the heavyweights"' (Heller, 172). At the time few could argue with this coronation. In the years that followed, Tyson would continue his dominance in the ring but the deaths of trainer and mentor Cus D’Amato and co-manager Jimmy Jacobs left his personal life in a state of turmoil. As the Catskill connection fell apart, Tyson’s lack of discipline and education would become more and more apparent. It was not until an upset loss to boxing journeyman James “Buster” Douglas that Tyson’s personal struggles began to affect his professional career. In the years that followed, this trend continued as “[Tyson] exchanged the Spartan gym for the high life – buying mansions…collecting white Bengal tigers, expensive jewelry, and dozens of exotic cars – when he wasn’t getting drunk or high or carousing with strippers” (Saraceno). His troubled marriage to Robin Givens fell apart, and he faced a sentence of three years in prison for a guilty verdict on a sexual assault charge (Tyson). Although he would briefly regain his heavyweight championship, Tyson’s skills had deteriorated and the stress of his life had taken its toll. He would never regain the form of his early career. Tyson's fall from boxing's graces may have come as a surprise to many in the general public but to those in his inner-circle, including his early mentor and trainer Cus D'Amato, it was always something to worry about because of the fighter's discipline, or lack thereof. Tyson’s background as a fighter with a "street mentality" only compounded this issue. ** C. **** Evaluation of Sources (374 Words) ** In the biography: //Bad Intentions The Mike Tyson Story//, Peter Heller outlines the infamous fighter’s controversial life while giving a history of contemporary boxing. As a former boxing judge for the New York State Athletic Commission and co-manager of heavyweight contender Art Tucker, Heller has always taken interest in boxing and Tyson, one of the sport’s most beloved personalities. Today, Heller is a senior writer for ABC Sports and an Emmy nominated sports producer. Thanks to detailed accounts of Mike’s career by many from his inner circle, //Bad Intentions// is considered to be “the most definitive account yet of the fighter’s life” (Library Journal). However, the source is also limited by its failure to obtain detailed interviews by Tyson himself and its perhaps “inflated” views of Tyson’s “bad boy” persona. Heller’s biography has been valuable to this investigation because it not only describes Tyson’s fight-by-fight path to glory in the ring but it also details his personal life, scarred by “street-gang violence, juvenile prison, sexual scandal, marital strife, courtroom battles, and imprisonment for rape” (Heller). In James Toback’s documentary //Tyson//, former heavyweight champion of the world and self-proclaimed “baddest man on the planet,” Mike Tyson holds nothing back while recollecting the memories of his controversial life. He reveals to everyone that under his hard, callused shell he is not the ruthless and cold-blooded animal his persona has portrayed him to be. American screenwriter and film director James Toback has been a close friend of Tyson’s since Tyson was first breaking through the ranks of professional boxing. Knowing the craze surrounding Tyson-mania and yet the relative obscurity of the unanswered truths surrounding his life, Toback saw this documentary as not only a way to capitalize on America’s obsession of Tyson but also as a way for Tyson to set his story straight. //Tyson// is unique in that it gives viewers primary access to Mike’s take, emotions, and reactions on his life and the controversy surrounding it. However, because he is the only voice in the film, his responses are naturally unchallenged and biased. Toback’s documentary has been valuable to this investigation because, unlike the biography //Bad Intentions The Mike Tyson Story// by Peter Heller, it offers Tyson’s account of the events that defined his career. ** D. Analysis (855 Words) ** When analyzing the factors that led to Mike Tyson's downfall, one must consider all aspects of his life from the time he was born to the fateful events that followed the infamous James Buster Douglas bout. As an unbiased observer two trends emerge, the effect of the losses of those close to him and his undesirable upbringing and background as a rebellious member of society. Tyson grew up without the security or comforts a father provides a family. This lack of a father, or any family for that matter, had a profound effect on Tyson and drove him toward the unscrupulous behaviors that would define his childhood. Tyson’s desire for a father figure in his life is precisely what drove his connection to Catskill and his bond with his late trainer Cus D’Amato in particular. As Tyson explains, D’Amato was the “first white guy who didn’t judge [him]” (Mike Tyson). But to Tyson the relationship was even more than that, Tyson “wanted him to be [his] father” (Mike Tyson). Jim Jacobs, Tyson’s early co-manager and one of D’Amato’s confidants, also provided structure to the up and coming boxer who had grown up with everything but it. Throughout his early career Tyson “embraced [Jacobs] as [his] protector” (Beyond the Glory). D’Amato died shortly before Tyson won his first Heavyweight Championship but the structure D’Amato provided remained in tact and Tyson’s success continued. It was not until Jacobs death in 1988 that Tyson’s life began to spiral out of control. As the Catskill connection began to fall apart Don King took advantage beginning his courtship of the young champion. From this point on, “the former boxing phenom bit a chunk of Holyfield’s ear, blew his fortune on woman, posse members, and pet tigers, said he wanted to eat Lewis’ children, got his face tattooed days before one bout and…well those are just some of the highlights” (Walker). Although there appears to be a strong correlation between the losses of Jacobs and D’Amato to the failures of Tyson’s career, and the deaths of his mentors may have contributed to the process, Tyson’s defeats both in and outside the ring are better explained by Tyson’s upbringing both in Brooklyn and Catskill. Tyson was born to the streets of Brooklyn and fed on welfare dollars. Growing up without a father Tyson had to fend for himself amongst "the predators of the urban jungle” (Heller, 7). It was not long before he began to fall into the trap of the streets, joining gangs and relying on more and more serious crime to survive and put money in his pockets. From the age of ten to twelve, Mike was continually in and out of juvenile detention centers before developing enough of a rap sheet “to be incarcerated at the Tryon School for Boys in the mountains of upstate Johnstown, New York” (Heller, 12).    At the Tryon School for Boys, Tyson continued to struggle. “During his first weeks at Tryon he began to lash out” (Heller, 13). It was not until Tyson met Bobby Stewart, a former amateur boxer turned counselor at Tryon that Tyson began to turn around. “Stewart began to work with Tyson in the afternoons, teaching him some moves, some footwork, and beginning to win the boy’s confidence…Stewart could sense there was a spark there, an intelligence, that needed to be nurtured” (Heller, 15). It was from here that Stewart introduced Tyson to Cus D’Amato, Tyson’s future boxing trainer in Catskill, New York. To Cus, Tyson’s promise was obvious. Explaining to Stewart that Tyson could be “the future heavyweight champion of the world” (Heller, 20). Following several more trips to Catskill, it was arranged that Tyson would be released from Tryon and moved to Catskill to live with D'Amato permanently. In Catskill, D'Amato cared for Tyson as if he were his son, developing into the father Tyson never had (Tyson). However, it wasn't long before Tyson began to cause trouble both in Catskill and in school. A rift began to develop between Cus and Teddy Atlas, Tyson’s personal trainer, “fueled largely by their differences concerning Mike’s education and overall discipline” (Heller, 71). Atlas saw Tyson’s discipline as a major issue in particular explaining to Cus, “if we don’t discipline him and guide him properly now, we’re going to have to have problems with this guy after we’ve put in all our work” (Heller, 72). The conflict between Atlas and Tyson would increase as Tyson grew as a fighter. Although D’Amato knew Tyson’s behavior was a major concern, he made little attempt to discipline the young fighter. In fear of losing his promising prospect, D’Amato released Atlas from his staff (Tyson). As seen throughout the rest of his career, Tyson would build upon this precedent, feeling as if he should always get his way precisely because of who he is and who he is supposed to be. D’Amato and Jacobs leant much needed stability to contain Tyson’s reckless behavior, but they made no attempt at correcting it. Given this situation it was only a matter of time before Tyson’s lack of education and discipline would get the best of the prizefighter. ** E. Conclusion (68 Words)  ** Mike Tyson’s boxing career exemplifies the typical tragic story. His life-encompassing downfall comes as a direct result of his upbringing in both Brooklyn and Catskill, New York. Although mentors Jim Jacobs and Cus D’Amato were critical in stabilizing Tyson’s emotions, they did little to fix either his lack of discipline or education. In the years following their deaths this is evident, as Tyson’s career tumbled out of control. ** Word Count: 1922  ** ** F. List of Sources  ** Heller, Peter. //Bad Intentions The Mike Tyson Story//. Updated ed. 1988. Cambridge: Da Capo, 1995. Print.  "Mike Tyson." //Beyond the Glory//. Fox Sports. 1 Jan. 2006. //Top Documentary Films//. Web. 8 Nov. 2010. .  Saraceno, Jon. "Tyson: 'My Whole Life Has Been a Waste.'" //USA Today// 2 June 2005: n.pag. Web. 8 Nov. 2010. .  Toback, James, dir. //Tyson//. 2008. Sony Classics.  Walker, Childs. "When Heroes Faler, It's Forgive or Forget." //Chicago Tribune// 7 Aug. 2005: n. pag. Web. 8 Nov. 2010. .


 * DRAFTS**

**A. Plan of Investigation** //To what extent was Mike Tyson's downfall a direct result of his upbringing, both in Brooklyn and Catskill?// The purpose of this investigation is to examine the extent to which Mike Tyson's upbringing brought about his famed downfall. In order to evaluate this question, one must explore the events and circumstances that led to Tyson's fall from heavyweight champion of the world to prison and bankruptcy. This detailed analysis outlines Tyson's struggles throughout his boxing career, from his early years as an amateur to his rise to and fall from the heavyweight championship of the world. Both primary, //Tyson,// and secondary sources, //Bad Intentions: The Mike Tyson Story,// will be used and evaluated in this investigation for their value purpose and limitations.

** B. ****Summary of Evidence** Don King said of Mike Tyson, “He is a model for our youth, an American hero for us all… He represents America… He is our ambassador of goodwill to all peoples of the world. Indeed he is one of our national treasures. Boxing needs a hero…and god sent Mike Tyson.” At the early age of twenty-one Mike Tyson transcended history to become the youngest undisputed heavyweight champion of the world and draw comparisons to the greatest boxers of all time. But the fame and fortune did not last, the true story of Mike Tyson’s life is more accurately described by a quote from F. Scott Fitzgerald, “show me a hero and I’ll write you a tragedy.”

Tyson turned pro at the age of eighteen. He quickly amassed a record to be reckoned with and a public persona of an "invincible destroyer" (Heller, 108). Shortly thereafter he began his assault on boxing's biggest stage, the heavyweight championship, a division that had "fallen on hard times due to the activities of promoter Don King...and the [sport's] three sanctioning bodies--the World Boxing Council, the World Boxing Association and the International Boxing Federation (Heller, 136). At twenty-one years and one month Tyson beat Tony Tucker in a unanimous decision and claimed the IBF heavyweight title, becoming the youngest undisputed heavyweight champion in the history of the sport. In just two and a half years as a professional his ring earnings exceeded $14 million. "The day following his victory over Tucker, Tyson was crowned "king of the heavyweights"' (Heller, 172). At the time few could argue with this coronation.

In the years that followed Tyson would continue his dominance in the ring but the deaths of trainer and mentor Cus D’Amato and co-manager Jimmy Jacobs left his personal life in a state of turmoil. As the Catskill connection fell apart Tyson’s lack of discipline and education would become more and more apparent.

It was not until an upset loss to boxing journeyman James “Buster” Douglas that Tyson’s personal struggles began to affect his professional career. In the years that followed this trend continued as the “[Tyson] exchanged the Spartan gym for the high life – buying mansions…collecting white Bengal tigers, expensive jewelry, and dozens of exotic cars – when he wasn’t getting drunk or high or carousing with strippers” (Saraceno). His troubled marriage to Robin Givens fell apart, and he faced a sentence of three years in prison for a guilty verdict on a sexual assault charge (Beyond the Glory). Although he would briefly regain his heavyweight championship Tyson’s skills had deteriorated and the stress of his life had taken its toll. He would never regain the form of his early career.

Tyson's fall from boxing's graces may have come as a surprise to many in the general public but to those in his inner-circle, including his early mentor and trainer Cus D'Amato, it was always something to worry about because of the fighter's discipline, or lack there of. Tyson’s background as a fighter with a "street mentality" only compounded this issue.

Tyson was born to the streets of Brooklyn and fed on welfare dollars. Growing up without a father Tyson had to fend for himself amongst "the predators of the urban jungle” (Heller, 7). It was not long before he began to fall into the trap of the streets, joining gangs and relying on more and more serious crime to survive and put money in his pockets. From the age of ten to twelve Mike was continually in and out of juvenile detention centers before developing enough of a rap sheet “to be incarcerated at the Tryon School for Boys in the mountains of upstate Johnstown, New York” (Heller, 12).

At the Tryon School for Boys Tyson continued to struggle. “During his first weeks at Tryon he began to lash out” (Heller, 13). It was not until Tyson met Bobby Stewart, a former amateur boxer turned counselor at Tryon that Tyson began to turn around. “Stewart began to work with Tyson in the afternoons, teaching him some moves, some footwork, and beginning to win the boy’s confidence…Stewart could sense there was a spark there, an intelligence, that needed to be nurtured” (Heller, 15). It was from here that Stewart introduced Tyson to Cus D’Amato, Tyson’s future boxing manager in Catskill, New York.

To Cus, Tyson’s promise was obvious. Explaining to Stewart that Tyson was “the future heavyweight champion of the world” (Heller, 20). Following several more trips to Catskill, it was arranged that Tyson would be released from Tryon and moved to Catskill to live with D'Amato permanently. In Catskill D'Amato cared for Tyson as if he were his son, developing into the father Tyson never had (Tyson). However, it wasn't long before Tyson began to cause trouble both in Catskill and in school. Causing a rift to develop between Cus and Teddy Atlas, Tyson’s personal trainer, “fueled largely by their differences concerning Mike’s education and overall discipline” (Heller, 71). Atlas saw Tyson’s discipline as a major issue in particular explaining to Cus, “if we don’t discipline him and guide him properly now, we’re going to have to have problems with this guy after we’ve put in all our work” (Heller, 72). The conflict between Atlas and Tyson would increase as Tyson grew as a fighter. In fear of losing his promising prospect D’Amato released Atlas from his staff. Setting a strong precedent for Tyson (Tyson). As seen throughout the rest of his career, Tyson would build upon this precedent, feeling as if he should always get his way precisley because of who he is and who he is suppossed to be.

** C. ****Evaluation of Sources** In the biography //Bad Intentions The Mike Tyson Story// Peter Heller outlines the infamous fighters’ controversial life while giving a history of contemporary boxing. As a former boxing judge for the New York State Athletic Commission and co-manager of heavy weight contender Art Tucker, Heller has always taken interest in boxing and Tyson, one of the sport’s most beloved personalities. Today, Heller is a senior writer for ABC Sports and an Emmy nominated sports producer. Thanks to detailed accounts of Mike’s career by many from his inner circle, //Bad Intentions// is considered to be “the most definitive account yet of the fighter’s life” (Library Journal). However, the source is also limited by: its failure to obtain detailed interviews by Tyson himself and its perhaps “inflated” views of Tyson’s “bad boy” persona. Heller’s biography has been valuable to this investigation because it not only describes Tyson’s fight-by-fight path to glory in the ring but it also details his personal life, scarred by “street-gang violence, juvenile prison, sexual scandal, marital strife, courtroom battles, and imprisonment for rape” (Heller).

In James Toback’s documentary //Tyson//, former heavyweight champion of the world and self-proclaimed “baddest man on the planet”: Mike Tyson holds nothing back while recollecting the memories of his controversial life. Revealing to everyone that under his hard, callused shell he is not the ruthless and cold-blooded animal his persona has portrayed him to be. American screenwriter and film director James Toback has been a close friend of Tyson’s since Tyson was first breaking through the ranks of professional boxing. Knowing the craze surrounding Tyson-mania and yet the relative mysteriousness of the unanswered truths surrounding his life, Toback saw this documentary as not only a way to capitalize on America’s obsession of Tyson but as a way for Tyson to set his story straight. //Tyson// is unique in that it gives viewers primary access to Mike’s take, emotions, and reactions on his life and the controversy surrounding it. However, because he is the only voice in the film his responses are naturally unchallenged and biased. Toback’s documentary has been valuable to this investigation because, unlike the biography //Bad Intentions The Mike Tyson Story// by Peter Heller, it offers Tyson’s account of the events that defined his career.


 * D. Analysis**

When analyzing the factors of that led to Mike Tyson's downfall one must consider all aspects of his life from the time he was born to the fateful events that followed the infamous James Buster Douglas bout. As an unbiased observer two trends emerge, the effect of the losses of those who were close to him and his undesirable upbringing and background as a rebellious member of society.

//To What Extent was Mike Tyson's downfall a direct result of the environment in which he lived?// Don King said of Mike Tyson, “He is a model for our youth, an American hero for us all… He represents America… He is our ambassador of goodwill to all peoples of the world. Indeed he is one of our national treasures. Boxing needs a hero…and god sent Mike Tyson.” At the early age of twenty Mike Tyson transcended history by becoming the youngest undisputed heavyweight champion of the world and began drawing comparisons to the greatest boxers of all time. But the fame and fortune did not last, the true story of Mike Tyson’s life is more accurately described by a quote from F. Scott Fitzgerald, “show me a hero and I’ll write you a tragedy.” Much of the tragedy that is Mike Tyson's life has been accredited to his mental instability from losing those who were close to him. However, throughout this investigation I will be determining the extent to which Mike Tyson’s tragic downfall was a direct result of the environment in which he lived. Two sources being utilized in this investigation, //Tyson// and //Bad Intentions: The Mike Tyson Story// will be evaluated for their origin purpose value and limitations.

To Cus, Tyson’s promise was obvious. Explaining to Stewart that Tyson was “The future heavyweight champion of the world” (Heller, 20). Following several more trips to Catskill, it was arranged that Tyson would be released from Tryon and moved to Catskill to live with D'Amato permanently. In Catskill D'Amato cared for Tyson as if he were his son, developing into the father Tyson never had (Tyson). However, it wasn't long before Tyson began to cause trouble both in Catskill and in school. D’Amato saw little issue in it. Telling Tyson “If they expel you I’ll get Jimmy [Jacobs] to get you a tutor” (Heller, 72). However, Teddy Atlas, Mike’s personal trainer, believed such actions weren’t healthy in developing Tyson as a person. Telling Cus, “if we don’t discipline him and guide him properly now, we’re going to have problems with this guy” (Heller, 72). The conflict between Atlas and Tyson would increase as Tyson grew as a fighter. In fear of losing his promising prospect D’Amato released Atlas from his staff. Setting a strong precedent for Tyson (Tyson).

In the years that followed Team Tyson would garner wide success, as he turned pro. “At 20, Tyson soared to uncommon heights as the youngest heavyweight champion in history” (Saraceno). Although, the deaths of D’Amato and co-manager Jimmy Jacobs would scar Tyson, leaving him with few to turn to (Beyond the Glory). As the Catskill connection began to fall apart Don King took advantage beginning his courtship of the young champion.

Tyson’s lack of discipline and education would become more and more apparent after his upset loss to boxing journeyman James “Buster” Douglas. “At one time uncommonly fast and powerful in the ring, he exchanged the Spartan gym for the high life – buying mansions…collecting white Bengal tigers, expensive jewelry, and dozens of exotic cars – when he wasn’t getting drunk or high or carousing with strippers” (Saraceno). His troubled marriage to Robin Givens fell apart, and he faced a sentence of three years in prison for a guilty verdict on a sexual assault charge (Beyond the Glory). Although he would briefly regain his heavyweight championship Tyson’s skills had deteriorated and the stress of his life had taken its toll. He would never regain the form of his early career.