Mike Tyson has long been one of the greatest heavyweight champions, drawing crowds wherever he fights and captivating them without needing any introduction or musical fanfare to grab their attention. Even without that added flourish, Tyson can typically find enough of an impactful presence to excite audiences without needing much else but an entrance signaling an exciting fight to follow is enough to electrify an environment; but throughout his illustrious career Tyson has used an array of memorable songs as markers of his arrivals into the ring – especially during fight nights where Tyson usually stands as headlining act!
Years after retiring at age 58 and suffering defeat at the hands of Kevin McBride in his final professional bout, Mike Tyson made an unexpected announcement: a return against internet sensation Jake Paul in an official showdown. With no shortage of walkout songs from past matches in his repertoire, Tyson is yet to select an official song for their encounter in June 2019. Speculation about which tune may make an appearance remains rampant among fans and experts alike.
Return Against Roy Jones Jr.
In November 2020, Tyson re-entered the boxing scene for an exhibition match against the former champion Roy Jones Jr., impressing fans with his skill and resilience, reminiscent of his prime years. The match, which ended in a draw, saw Tyson walking out to ‘Mike Tyson’ by Tiki Lau, a track specifically crafted to mirror his ferocious aura.
Face-off with Lennox Lewis
During his professional career, one of Tyson’s notable entrances was for his 2002 bout against Lennox Lewis, where he walked out to DMX’s ‘What’s My Name (Radio Mix)’. Despite Tyson’s fierce pre-match declarations, Lewis emerged victorious, leading to subsequent losses that eventually drove Tyson into retirement.
Bout Against Brian Nielsen
In 2001, facing Brian Nielsen in Copenhagen marked Tyson’s return to international fights. Tyson, maintaining his dominance, ended the match in the sixth round, choosing Tupac Shakur’s ‘Ambitionz Az a Fighta’ as his ring walk music, a song symbolizing their friendship and shared themes of resilience.
Victory Over Frans Botha
After a suspension due to the infamous incident with Evander Holyfield, Tyson made a comeback against Frans Botha in 1999, securing a win with DMX’s album, ‘It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot’ setting the tone for his entrance, perfectly encapsulating his gritty and no-nonsense approach to the match.
Rematch with Frank Bruno
In 1996, Tyson faced Frank Bruno for the second time, quickly securing victory in a technical knockout. While specific details of his entrance music for this bout aren’t recorded, Tyson’s history suggests a preference for impactful, message-driven tracks.
Quick Win Against Peter McNeeley
Tyson’s post-prison return to the ring in 1995 against Peter McNeeley was marked by a swift victory and his walkout music choice of ‘Time 4 Sum Aksion’ by Redman, reflecting his readiness and humor fused with aggression.
Rematch with Donovan Ruddock
Tyson again defeated Donovan Ruddock by unanimous decision, this time selecting Public Enemy’s song Welcome to the Terrordome as his entrance music; its striking social commentary perfectly fit his confrontational style and signature approach to boxing.
Tyson has always selected music that reflected his persona and culture of his era to accompany his ring walks; fans now await to witness which tune will announce Mike Tyson back onto the scene against Jake Paul. Fans alike look forward to witnessing what song will open his return from retirement as “Iron Mike Tyson.”