Mike Tyson is no stranger when it comes to pocketing life-changing paydays, and the heavyweight icon once fought his way to an astonishing $400m fortune because of his ability in the ring.

In 2024, it is estimated that the 58-year-old has a cushy net worth of around $10m, thanks to his endorsements, businesses, partnerships and his highly-successful Hotboxin’ podcast. Widely regarded as one of the best heavyweights in the history of the sport, Tyson is scheduled to return to the ring on Friday November 15 against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul.

His upcoming bout with the social media star will only do wonders for the 58-year-old’s bank balance, with the former heavyweight champion expected to earn at least $20m for the heavyweight dust-up. Here, we take a look at some of the biggest fight purses Tyson’s career…

Lennox Lewis vs Mike Tyson: $103million

Towards the back end of his career, ‘Iron Mike’ took on Lennox Lewis as the American star looked to pick up the unified heavyweight titles. Coincidentally, for Lewis, it was his second to last fight of his professional career. While both men were fairly past their prime, millions from across the globe were still so eager to tune in and see how the fight would play out. Tyson was largely dominated throughout the fight before suffering a knockout defeat in the eighth round. Despite losing on the night, the American would go on to pocket a life-changing payday of $103m.

Evander Holyfield vs Mike Tyson: $30million

In what was one of the biggest heavyweight fights of the decade, after years of making, Tyson and Evander Holyfield put on a jaw-dropping display in 1996. There was a lot of hype that surrounded the blockbuster showdown, and it’s fair to say that it exceeded many people’s expectations. In what was an intense back-and-forth encounter, it was Holyfield who was eventually able to take control of the fight before picking up a stunning 11th round knockout. Despite suffering the second defeat of his professional career, Tyson still walked away with $30m in his pocket.

Frank Bruno vs Mike Tyson II: $30million

Mike Tyson and Frank Bruno first went head-to-head back, with ‘Iron Mike’ going on to secure a devastating knockout in the fifth round. The pair once again went glove-to-glove seven years later for the WBC heavyweight strap. This time around, Tyson needed less time to get the job done after he knocked out his British rival in the third round and pocketing $30million from the fight. After the dust-up, Bruno announced his retirement from the sport of boxing.

Buster Douglas vs Mike Tyson: $6.4million

In 1990, ‘Iron Mike’ travelled to Japan to take on fellow American Buster Douglas. In what was one of the most highly-anticipated contests of the year, fans were not disappointed at all and were entertained from start to finish. With Tyson well and truly in his prime, he was looking pretty much unbeatable until Douglas secured one of the biggest upsets in the history of heavyweight boxing by knocking his rival out in the 10th round. Despite suffering the first defeat of his professional career, Tyson still earned a wealthy sum of $6.4million.

Mike Tyson vs Michael Spinks: $22million

Throughout his professional career, Tyson went toe-to-toe with some of the biggest names in the history of the sport. Against Michael Spinks – who held the lineal and The Ring heavyweight championship titles leading up the bout – ‘Iron Mike’ was in for a tough challenge. That said, many were surprised by Tyson’s performance as the former undisputed champion completely ran through the boxing icon, defeating his opponent in a little over 90 seconds. For his efforts, Tyson picked up a tidy payday of $22million.