In a bizarre twist that only boxing’s computerized rankings could produce, Mike Tyson is still officially ranked inside the U.S. Top 100 heavyweights despite losing his comeback fight to YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul and holding no victories in 22-plus years.
According to BoxRec, Tyson sits at #74 among American heavyweights, sandwiched between journeyman Tyrrell Herndon, fresh from his loss to Deontay Wilder, at #73, and unbeaten novice Darius East at #75.
The all-time great is also listed as the 338th-ranked heavyweight worldwide and an astonishing 7,000-plus pound-for-pound fighter, underlining how ridiculous the rating of his standing has become.
Why is Mike Tyson still ranked?
Tyson, now 59 years old, was controversially sanctioned for a professional eight-rounder against Paul at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, in November 2024.
Despite flashes of aggression, the fight ended in a unanimous decision defeat for the former undisputed champion.
That single result was enough to reactivate his status as an ‘active boxer’ under BoxRec‘s algorithm, which automatically keeps him ranked for twelve months after a sanctioned bout.
The system does not account for past greatness, only recent results, meaning Tyson’s legendary résumé has no bearing on his modern placement.
Despite beating Clifford Etienne in February 2003 in his last triumph in the ring, ‘The Baddest Man on the Planet’ sits alongside active prospects and journeymen.
To add more perspective, the New York slugger has won one fight in 24 years.
From the youngest champ to the lowly ranking
Tyson exploded onto the scene in the mid-1980s, becoming the youngest heavyweight champion in history at 20 by demolishing Trevor Berbick in 1986. He unified the division within a year and reigned as the most feared fighter on the planet.
But after personal turmoil, prison time, and a steady decline, Tyson bowed out with defeats to Danny Williams (2004) and Kevin McBride (2005).
His latest ill-fated comeback against Paul only reinforced what most already knew: time catches up with even the fiercest of champions.
While no algorithm can diminish his legacy as one of boxing’s most iconic heavyweights, the starkness of seeing ‘Iron Mike’ listed among active journeymen and regional hopefuls is a sobering reminder of the price of one comeback too many.
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.