Mitch Green facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mitch Green |
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Green in 2024
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| Statistics | |
| Nickname(s) | Blood |
| Rated at | Heavyweight |
| Height | 6 ft 5 in |
| Reach | 82 in |
| Born | January 13, 1957 Augusta, Georgia, U.S. |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 27 |
| Wins | 19 |
| Wins by KO | 12 |
| Losses | 6 |
| Draws | 1 |
| No contests | 1 |
Mitch Green (born January 13, 1957) is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1980 to 2005. He is most famous for fighting Mike Tyson in 1986. At that time, Tyson was undefeated. Two years later, in 1988, Green and Tyson had another well-known street fight. Green often had a toothpick in his mouth when he appeared in public.
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Early Life
Mitch Green grew up in the Bronx, New York City. When he was 17, he was shot twice. Luckily, he was not seriously hurt. The first time, a bullet went through his wrist but missed important parts. He was able to box again quickly. The second time, he got a small cut on his head. These experiences led Green to choose boxing, which was less dangerous than street life. Later, he moved to Jamaica, Queens.
Green went to DeWitt Clinton High School. He also worked as a security guard during this time.
Amateur Boxing Career
Green had a very successful amateur boxing career. He won the famous New York Golden Gloves championship four times. He won in 1976, 1977, 1979, and 1980. His amateur record was impressive, with 64 wins and only 7 losses. He won 51 of his fights by knockout.
He also won the Intercity Golden Gloves championship twice. In 1977, he won by knockout. In 1979, he won by decision.
In 1978, Mitch Green fought against the Russian boxer Igor Vysotsky and lost. Green was considered a strong candidate for the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow. However, the U.S. decided not to send athletes to those Olympics. Green also lost to Marvis Frazier in the Olympic Trials that year.
During his amateur career, Green also fought future world champions like Greg Page and Tony Tubbs. He beat Tony Tubbs in the 1978 Sports Festival. Green trained at the United Block Association Gym in New York City.
Professional Boxing Career
Mitch Green became a professional boxer in 1980. He signed a contract with a music promoter named Shelly Finkel. Green was part of a group of young boxers called "Tomorrow's Champions." He was ranked as high as #7 by the World Boxing Council. He was also in the top ten by the World Boxing Association. After about a year, Green left Finkel. He then worked with Carl King, the son of famous boxing promoter Don King.
Green started his professional career without any losses in his first sixteen fights. This included a win over Floyd "Jumbo" Cummings. His first loss was in 1985 to Trevor Berbick. This fight was for the United States Boxing Association title.
In 1985, Green showed how eager he was to fight top boxers. He appeared at a press conference for a championship fight. He said he was a better fighter and wanted to challenge the top names.
Green vs. Tyson
Mitch Green's most famous fight was against Mike Tyson in 1986. This fight was shown on HBO. Before the fight, Green was unhappy about how much money he was getting compared to Tyson. Green was paid $30,000, while Tyson received $200,000 for the fight. Green even threatened not to fight. He eventually agreed to fight in exchange for being released from his contract with Carl King.
During the fight, Green put up a strong effort. He lost the fight by a decision after ten rounds.
Later Years in Boxing
After the Tyson fight, Green did not box for several years. He returned to the ring in February 1993 at age 36. In one unusual fight, he refused to throw punches and argued with the referee. The referee eventually stopped the fight.
Throughout the 1990s, Green would sometimes come out of retirement to fight. He tried to win the New York State heavyweight title a few times. He fought Melvin Foster in 1994 and Brian Nix in 1998. A fight in 1998 was first a win for Green but later changed to a 'no contest' result.
Late in his career, Green won two less recognized championships. He won the World Boxing Empire Super-Heavyweight Title in 2002. He also became the Universal Boxing Organization Heavyweight Champion in 2005. He never defended either of these titles. His last fight was in August 2005, where he won by knockout.
Personal Life
Mitch Green lives in Jamaica, Queens, New York.
In recent years, a false rumor spread online that he had become a minister. This was due to a YouTube video featuring a different person named Mitch Green.
