Mitch Green facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mitch Green
Green in 2024
Statistics
Nickname(s)	Blood
Rated at	Heavyweight
Height	6 ft 5 in
Reach	82 in
Born	(1957-01-13) January 13, 1957 (age 68) 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. He competed from 1980 to 2005. He is most famous for fighting Mike Tyson in 1986. Tyson was undefeated at that time, but Green managed to stay in the fight for all the rounds. Two years later, in 1988, Green and Tyson had another well-known street encounter. Mitch Green often had a toothpick in his mouth when he appeared in public.

Early Life and Choices

Mitch Green grew up in the Bronx, New York. When he was 17, he was involved in incidents where he was hurt. One time, a bullet went through his wrist, but it missed important parts, so he could fight again quickly. Another time, he got a cut on his head. These dangerous situations made him choose boxing as a safer path. Later, he moved to Jamaica, Queens, where he reportedly had disagreements with another boxer, Carl Williams.

Green went to DeWitt Clinton High School. He also worked as a security guard during that time.

Amateur Boxing Career

Mitch Green had a very successful amateur boxing career. He won the New York Golden Gloves four times. These wins were in 1976, 1977, 1979, and 1980. His amateur record was 64 wins and only 7 losses. He won 51 of his fights by knockout.

He won the 1976 Sub-Novice Heavyweight Championship. Then he won the Heavyweight Open Championships in 1977, 1979, and 1980. He beat different opponents to win these titles, like Anthony Zampelli and Guy Casale. In 1978, he got a bad cut during a tournament. This stopped him from winning a fifth Golden Gloves title.

Green was also a two-time Intercity Golden Gloves champion. He won this title in 1977 and again in 1979.

Important Amateur Fights

Mitch Green faced some tough opponents as an amateur. He lost to the Russian boxer Igor Vysotsky in 1978. Green was considered a strong candidate for the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow. However, the U.S. did not send athletes to those Olympics. Green also lost to Marvis Frazier in the Olympic Trials that year.

He also fought future world champions like Greg Page and Tony Tubbs. He beat Tony Tubbs in the 1978 Sports Festival. Green also lost to Alfonzo Ratliff, who later became a cruiserweight champion.

Green trained at the United Block Association Gym in New York City. He left his security guard job to focus on boxing. He wanted to go to the Olympics and then become a professional boxer.

Professional Boxing Journey

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. Green later left Finkel after a disagreement. He was then managed by Carl King, whose father, Don King, was Green's promoter.

Green was undefeated in his first sixteen professional fights. This included a win over Floyd Cummings in 1983. His first loss was to Trevor Berbick in 1985. This fight was for the United States Boxing Association title.

In March 1985, Green spoke out at a press conference. He claimed he was a better fighter than David Bey. He also sought a confrontation with Don King's team.

Green vs. Tyson

Green's most famous fight was against Mike Tyson in 1986. This fight was shown on HBO. Before the fight, Green complained about the money. He was paid $30,000, while Tyson received $200,000. Green even threatened to not fight. He eventually agreed to fight in exchange for being released from his contract with Carl King.

During the fight, Green showed great determination. He lost his mouthpiece and some teeth during the third round. Despite this, he continued to fight hard for all ten rounds. Tyson won the fight by a decision.

Later Boxing Years

After the Tyson fight, Green faced challenges outside the ring. He returned to boxing in February 1993 at age 36. In one unusual fight, he refused to throw punches. He argued with the referee until the fight was stopped in the third round.

Throughout the 1990s, Green would sometimes come out of retirement. He tried to win the New York State heavyweight title. He fought against Melvin Foster in 1994 and Brian Nix in 1998. A win against Mike Dixon in 1998 was later changed to a 'no contest'.

Mitch Green was considered for the first Ultimate Fighting Championship tournament.

In the early 2000s, Green won two lesser-known championships. He won the World Boxing Empire super heavyweight title in 2002. In 2005, he was named the Universal Boxing Organization heavyweight champion. He did not defend 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 the late 2010s, a false rumor spread online. People thought Mitch had become a minister because of a video featuring a pastor with the same name.

Mitch Green was inducted into the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame on March 23, 2025.

Professional Boxing Record Summary

Exhibition Boxing Record Summary