Boxing fans since the 80's, how popular was Mike Tyson at his peak?

Michael Jordan hadn't won any titles in the 1980s. The Bulls and Jordan's run (from 1990 to 1996) came after Tyson had lost to Douglas.

In the late 1980s, when he was champ (1987, 1988, 1989), Mike Tyson was the biggest sports star in the world.

It didn't last long. But he was.

 

Tyson's popularity dwarfs Jordan.

The 5 most famous athletes of all time are Muhammad Ali, Pele, David Beckham, Billie Jean King, Mike Tyson

 

He's simply not across the board well known in the UK.
Basketball isn't a big sport here.

 

Bolt must now come close to them surely.

if infamy is included then I'd put Lance Armstrong up there with them.

And if counting by heads, then the massive population of the Indian subcontinent would bring Sachin Tendulkar up there, as well as chinese stars, not just bruce lee, being propelled up by the huge fanbase in china.

 

I'm from New York, same as Tyson. Tyson was extremely popular. He had Rock Star like appeal in and out of the ring. The media had a feeding frenzy on him, making video games for him, and putting him on non-boxing magazines.

 

Tyson was so popular, people still believe he could come back now and destroy Wilder.

 

When in reality he'd be knocked out in under 3 rounds.

 

Stalker alert.

 

Yeah you are bad I'll give you that...

 

:good

i think you are right. I didnt like tyson in his prime and thought him overated. but i even i would count it out.

In fact why stop at Wilder. Most know about Wlad's shakey chin!
:deal

 

He was nowhere near as popular as Ali in comparison. Full stop.

Back in the 60's ( before the internet, or any other garbage ) an English band called the Beatles took Murica by storm, driving Elvis into the shadows of the limelight. Ali performed a skit with them where he he pretended to throw a jab at the one on the end, and they ALL got knocked down. No other WORLD renowned band / group could have worked with Ali, because that is how famous he was at that time. Ali exchanged autographs with the pope at the time he was at the height of his popularity, in front of MILLIONS of people. Similarly he met Mandela, because both of them wanted to acknowledge each others perceived fights against oppression.

No sports personality, has ever been, or ever will be as widely known as Ali.

I'll willingly bet 5 grand with anyone willing to put it in a neutral bank account, that upon Ali's death he will be given as close to a state funeral by Murica as it can give to a NON politician.

Can anyone EVER see Tyson being accorded the same?

 

Bolt and Lance are popular maybe top 50 all time