In July 1991, Mike Tyson was the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, but he was about to face the bout of his life — and give credence to his nickname of “Baddest Man on the Planet.”
Asked to judge an Indiana beauty pageant, the 25-year-old Tyson allegedly invited the 18-year-old Miss Black Rhode Island, Desiree Washington, back to his hotel room. From there, reports differ as to whether the sex was consensual or not, but on March 27, 1992, Tyson was convicted of rape and sentenced to ten years in prison, with the judge suspending the final four years. Tyson served half of his six-year-sentence, during which time he converted to Islam and reportedly endured the company of quite a few non-fans.
Since his release, the lisping pugilist’s career has never fully recovered, and has hit many major roadblocks — in the form of drug arrests, bankruptcy, and a face tattoo.
