‘Mike Tyson Failed To Make The US Boxing Team For The 1984 Summer Olympics — But Evander Holyfield Did’

Mike Tyson’s legendary exploits in his professional career are still widely revered, but Iron Mike was unable to make his mark at the 1984 Summer Olympics. It wasn’t for a lack of trying but Team USA at the Summer Olympics was stacked. Tyson was invited to the US Olympic trials in Texas and came up against Henry Tillman (28-3-2), but he failed to beat his opponent and punch his ticket to Los Angeles 1984.

The Baddest Man on the Planet was offered a second shot to make the US’ boxing team a month after his initial failure. However, he fell short once again at Caesars Palace and a sobbing Tyson was comforted by legendary former trainer Cus D’Amato. To his credit, Tillman went on to secure a gold medal for the USA at the Summer Olympics. So, how stacked was Team USA’s boxing roster? It featured the likes of Pernell Whitaker (40-4-1 (1)), Mark Breland (35-3-1), Evander Holyfield (44-10-2 (1)) and, of course, Tillman. No hard feelings, Mike, it was a tough crowd of competition.