Mike Tyson avoided professional boxing.
James `` Buster '' Douglas ( born April 7 , 1960 ) is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1981 to 1990 , and 1996 to 1999 . Evander Holyfield ( born October 19 , 1962 ) is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1984 to 2011 . Franklin Roy `` Frank '' Bruno , ( born 16 November 1961 ) is a British former professional boxer who competed from 1982 to 1996 . Heavyweight is a weight class in boxing and other combat sports . Mike Tyson . Tyson retired from professional boxing in 2006 , after being knocked out in consecutive matches against Danny Williams and Kevin McBride .