evidence: Mike Tyson Wasn’t Allowed to Box in the 1984 Olympics, Then He Got His Revenge [...] Mike Tyson didn’t let his failed attempt at making the U.S. Olympic Boxing Team back in 1984 derail his quest for reaching the top of the professional boxing ranks. Tyson’s pre-pro boxing days were littered with speed bumps which included the death of his mother and sister at early ages and several arrests by the time he was 13. [...] The U.S, Olympic trials were held in Fort Worth, Texas in 1984, and Tyson was up against Henry Tillman, another kid who had a criminal history and who had learned to box while in prison. Tillman won a 5-0 decision. Tyson was then chosen as Tillman’s ‘most worthy’ opponent for the Olympic box-offs at Caesars Palace a month later. Tyson would have to defeat him twice to make the Olympic cut. If Tillman won the first bout, it was over for Tyson.