evidence: Mike Tyson on pro boxers in the Olympics: 'ridiculous, foolish' [...] So says Mike Tyson, a man who knows a thing or two about the damage that can result when punching unqualified people in the head. There's a proposal afoot to allow professional boxers in the Rio Games, and Tyson thinks it's a terrible idea ... but not necessarily for the reasons you'd think. [...] Tyson boxed with distinction at the Junior Olympics, winning gold in 1981 and 1982, but was defeated in trials for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games. He turned professional shortly thereafter.