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Mitch Green
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Mitch Green
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Mitch Green (born January 13, 1957) is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1980 to 2005. He is best known for having gone the distance with Mike Tyson in 1986, who was undefeated at the time. Two years later, in 1988, Green ended up fighting Tyson again in a notorious street brawl. A toothpick dangling between his lips became his trademark at any public appearance.[1]

Key Information

Early years

[edit]

Green grew up in the Bronx on 175th St. between Anthony and Clay Aves. "I was shot twice when I was 17. But it had to have been the will of God that I wasn't hurt" said Green. The first time Green was shot, it was with a .22 magnum. The bullet passed through his right wrist, but the slug missed arteries, bones and nerves and Green was fighting again a few weeks later. The second time he sustained a graze wound, when a slug slashed the right side of his head, leaving a short, puffy scar. Ironically, it was the gunfights that led Green to less lethal boxing.[1] Later he moved to Jamaica, Queens,[1] where he reportedly quarreled with another Jamaica resident and talented amateur boxer Carl Williams.[2]

Green attended DeWitt Clinton High School while employed as a security guard.[3]

Amateur career

[edit]

As an amateur he won the New York Golden Gloves four times (1976, 1977, 1979, and 1980) and compiled a record of 64 wins and 7 losses, with 51 wins by knockout. Green won the 1976 Sub-Novice Heavyweight Championship and the 1977, 1979 and 1980 Heavyweight Open Championships. Green defeated Anthony Zampelli to win the 1976 title. In 1977 Green defeated Guy Casale for the title. In 1979 Green defeated Ralph Fucci for the Championship and in 1980 Green defeated Merlin Castellanos for the title. He suffered a decisive cut loss in the 1978 tournament, preventing him from winning a fifth Golden Gloves title.

He was also a two-time Intercity Golden Gloves champion. In 1977 he won the title by KO in round one over Calvin Cross and again in 1979 by a decision over William Hosea.

"I hit him with double rights twice, and he had to go down. But he didn't. He refused. I couldn't believe it. And I put a couple of left hooks right on the money. IT WAS A WAR."

—Marvis Frazier on fighting Green.[4]

Mitch lost against Russian boxing great Igor Vysotsky in a 1978 matchup, and was considered a prospect for the 1980 Olympic Games (held in Moscow), but the U.S. boycotted the event, and Green also lost to Marvis Frazier in the quarterfinals of the Olympic Trials that year. He did, however, in the finals of the Eastern Regionals, manage to beat perennial contender Woody Clark.

In amateur competition Green also lost bouts to future world champions Greg Page and Tony Tubbs, though he did manage to beat Tubbs in the 1978 Sports Festival. Surprisingly, he also lost to future cruiserweight champion Alfonzo Ratliff in a 1980 New York−Chicago intercity matchup.

Green trained at the United Block Association Gym in New York City. At that time he was employed as a security guard.[5]

Highlights

[edit]

In February 1979, Green was ranked #5 U.S. amateur heavyweight by the U.S. Amateur Boxers and Coaches Association.[6] He has quit his job to spend full time preparing for the 1980 Olympics. "I'm really getting it together. I'm taking time out so I can just think about boxing," he said.[7] In the beginning of 1980 he went to Tennessee, where he sparred with WBA world heavyweight champion John Tate, and Washington D.C., where he trained with Dave Jacobs, Sugar Ray Leonard's trainer. "I want to go pro right after the Gloves. I had wanted very much to go to the Olympics, you know, give those Russians a bit of New York. But now I'll just see if I can make a living at it," said Green.[1]

Professional career

[edit]

Green turned pro in 1980, signing a contract with the rock promoter Shelly Finkel, whom he met at the 1979 New York Golden Gloves. As a professional, Green was one of NBC's "Tomorrow's Champions" (a group of Finkel's young pros, which also included Alex Ramos, Tony Ayala Jr., Donald Curry and Johnny Bumphus)[8] and was ranked as high as #7 by the World Boxing Council, and also in the top ten by the World Boxing Association. Green left Finkel after a year as a pro after a disagreement over payoffs. He was managed by Carl King, son of Don King, who was Green's promoter.[9]

Mitch was undefeated in his first sixteen bouts, which included a 1983 points win over the rugged Floyd "Jumbo" Cummings, and a draw with trial horse Robert Evans. His first loss was a twelve-round decision to future WBC champ Trevor Berbick in a bid for the United States Boxing Association title on August 10, 1985.

In March 1985, Green violently interrupted a pre-fight press conference of the Larry Holmes vs David Bey championship fight, claiming that he was a better contender than Bey, and seeking for a clash with Don King's people.

Green was scheduled to fight James Broad for the NABF title in 1985, but dropped out of the fight for money reasons.

Green vs. Tyson

[edit]
Main article: Mike Tyson vs. Mitch Green

"He's got great hand speed. He punches well and boxes well. Also, he's very mobile. It's the combination of those assets - not any one quality - that makes him an interesting opponent."

—Jim Jacobs, Tyson's manager, on Green[10]

After a comeback win over Percell Davis he lost a ten-round decision to Mike Tyson in 1986 on HBO, in his most famous fight. In the buildup to the fight Green had complained bitterly of the disparity in purses between him and Tyson when a day before the fight, at weigh-ins, Green learned he was being paid $30,000 in comparison to Tyson's $200,000 for the fight alone, in addition to a $1 million deal with HBO for the live broadcast of three fights. He threatened to pull out of the contest, finally settling for being released from his managerial contract with King's stepson Carl in return for his short purse.[11] Green put up a stubborn showing during the fight, despite losing his mouthpiece during the third round, along with "a bridge with a couple of teeth in", as mentioned by HBO sports commentator Barry Tompkins, at the very beginning of the fourth round.

A week later Green was released from his contract by manager Carl King, who was criticized the previous week by Green for mishandling his career.[12]

Later years

[edit]

Green was later signed to face James “Bonecrusher” Smith on December 12, 1986 as part of a Don King-produced event for HBO from Madison Square Garden. The match between Green and Smith was to serve as part of the event’s undercard, with Tim Witherspoon set to defend his WBA championship in a rematch against former champion Tony Tubbs, from whom Witherspoon had wrested the championship eleven months earlier. After Tubbs pulled out of the contest with a reported injury, Witherspoon instead gave Smith, whom he had beaten in a twelve-round decision in 1985 to earn the shot at Tubbs, a rematch with the title on the line; Green was left off of the event, as a result, since a replacement opponent was not found.[13] Green later appeared at the Witherspoon–Smith pre-fight negotiations, again threatening Don King.[14]

Green refused to box for many years and was in frequent trouble with the law. He finally returned to the ring in February 1993, then aged 36, against journeyman Bruce Johnson. Again complaining about his purse and his new manager, Green refused to throw any punches and argued constantly with the referee, until the exasperated ref stopped the bizarre contest in the third.[15]

Throughout the 1990s, Green sporadically came out of retirement, most notably in bids for the New York State heavyweight title, against fringe contenders Melvin Foster in 1994 and Brian Nix in 1998. A 1998 win over Mike Dixon was ruled a 'no contest' when Green tested positive for marijuana. A December 1995 contest with Shannon Briggs fell apart when Green was arrested for smashing up his manager's office during a dispute.[16]

Mitch was considered as a participant for the first Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) tournament.[17]

In the early 2000s, an aged Green held two spurious championships. He won the World Boxing Empire (originally the World Boxing Syndicate) super heavyweight title with a twelve-round decision over Danny Wofford on March 9, 2002.[18] On June 24, 2005 he was proclaimed the Universal Boxing Organization [1] heavyweight champion. He never defended either title. His last fight was a fourth-round knockout of Billy Mitchem on August 2, 2005

Feud with Mike Tyson

[edit]

Green was also known for an incident that began in the early hours of August 23, 1988, in Harlem. Tyson and some friends were shopping at Dapper Dan's, a Harlem clothing store. Green had heard that Tyson was in the area and found him, demanding a rematch. A scuffle ensued. Green allegedly threw a punch and Tyson responded with a punch of his own, closing Green's eye and requiring stitches to his nose. Tyson broke his hand in the incident and had to postpone his first fight with Frank Bruno. Later, although a New York jury awarded Green $45,000 in damages in a civil lawsuit against Tyson, the sum did not cover the legal fees. Tyson later recounted his version of the fight in his book and Broadway show Undisputed Truth, as well as on his Hotboxin' with Mike Tyson podcast.[19][20]

Personal life

[edit]

Green currently resides in Jamaica, Queens, NY.[21]

In the late 2010s, an inaccurate rumor began to circulate online that Mitch had become involved in ministry due to a YouTube video featuring a pastor named Mitch Green.[22]

Green was involved in street gangs during his youth, and became a gang leader with the New York City based Black Spades.[21][23][24]

Mitch was inducted into the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame on March 23, 2025.[25]

Professional boxing record

[edit]
27 fights 19 wins 6 losses
By knockout 12 1
By decision 7 5
Draws 1
No contests 1
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
27 Win 19–6–1 (1) United States Billy Mitchem KO 4 (8), 2:14 Aug 02, 2005 United States The New Daisy Theatre, Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
26 Win 18–6–1 (1) United States Danny Wofford UD 12 Mar 09, 2002 United States Annandale, Virginia, U.S.
25 Loss 17–6–1 (1) United States Brian Nix UD 10 Oct 02, 1998 United States Sportsfest Staten Island, New York City, New York, U.S. For New York State heavyweight title
24 Loss 17–5–1 (1) Puerto Rico Miguel Otero UD 8 Sep 12, 1998 United States Sons of Italy, Lake Worth, Florida, U.S.
23 NC 17–4–1 (1) United States Mike Dixon SD 8 Jul 25, 1998 United States Sons of Italy, Lake Worth, Florida, U.S. Originally a Split Decision win for Green, later ruled a No Contest after he failed a drug test
22 Win 17–4–1 United States Lou Turchiarelli TKO 6 (10) Aug 18, 1995 United States Middletown, New York, U.S.
21 Loss 16–4–1 United States Melvin Foster UD 10 Jun 02, 1994 United States Melville Hilton, Huntington, New York, U.S. For vacant New York State heavyweight title
20 Loss 16–3–1 United States Bruce Johnson TKO 3 Feb 26, 1993 United States Total Sports Pavilion, Woodbridge, Virginia, U.S. Fight stopped due to Green refusing to throw punches
19 Loss 16–2–1 United States Mike Tyson UD 10 May 20, 1986 United States Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
18 Win 16–1–1 United States Percell Davis UD 10 Jan 17, 1986 United States Omni Coliseum, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
17 Loss 15–1–1 Jamaica Trevor Berbick MD 12 Aug 10, 1985 United States Riviera, Winchester, Nevada, U.S. For USBA heavyweight title
16 Win 15–0–1 United States Sammy Scaff TKO 6, 1:41 Aug 31, 1984 United States Riviera, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.
15 Win 14–0–1 United States Young Louis TKO 6 (10), 0:49 Jul 15, 1984 United States Municipal Auditorium, Kingston, New York, U.S.
14 Win 13–0–1 United States Lynwood Jones TKO 1 (10), 0:48 Mar 21, 1984 United States Showboat Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
13 Win 12–0–1 United States James Dixon PTS 10 Jul 17, 1983 United States Dunes, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
12 Win 11–0–1 United States Floyd Cummings UD 10 Feb 16, 1983 United States Brendan Byrne Arena, East Rutherford, New Jersey, U.S.
11 Win 10–0–1 United States Lon Dale Friesen KO 2 (8) Oct 02, 1982 United States Sands, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
10 Win 9–0–1 United States Grady Daniels UD 8 Aug 14, 1982 United States Stouffer's Inn on the Square, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
9 Win 8–0–1 United States Walter Santemore UD 6 Jun 11, 1982 United States Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
8 Win 7–0–1 United States Walter Ware TKO 1 (6), 2:48 May 02, 1982 United States Playboy Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
7 Win 6–0–1 United States Willard Dumas KO 1 (6) Apr 09, 1982 United States Stouffer's Inn on the Square, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
6 Win 5–0–1 United States Melvin Epps UD 6 Jun 21, 1981 United States Playboy Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
5 Draw 4–0–1 United States Robert Evans PTS 6 Feb 08, 1981 United States The Great Gorge Playboy Club Hotel, McAfee, New Jersey, U.S.
4 Win 4–0 United States Lindsay Page TKO 2 (6) Jan 22, 1981 United States Ice World, Totowa, New Jersey, U.S.
3 Win 3–0 United States Harold Rice TKO 5 (6), 0:16 Dec 20, 1980 United States Kingsbridge Armory, New York City, New York, U.S.
2 Win 2–0 United States Johnny Pitts TKO 3 (6) Nov 25, 1980 United States Civic Center, Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.
1 Win 1–0 United States Jerry Foley TKO 1 (6), 1:44 Nov 08, 1980 United States Stateline, Nevada, U.S.

Exhibition boxing record

[edit]
1 fight 0 wins 0 losses
Non-scored 1
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
1 — 0–0 (1) United States Larry Holmes — 2 Mar 27, 1982 Playboy Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA Non-scored bout

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Mitch Green

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Mitch Green (born January 13, 1957) is an American former professional boxer who competed as a from 1980 to 2005, amassing a record of 19 wins (12 by ), 6 losses, and 1 draw over 27 bouts. Best known by his nickname "Blood," he gained prominence for his success and his professional bouts against future , including a competitive 10-round loss in 1986 at and an infamous 1988 street brawl in that resulted in Tyson breaking his right hand.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Born in , Green moved to as a child and grew up in amid challenging circumstances, becoming involved in street life as a teenager. He rose to become a leader of the , one of New York City's notorious gangs during the 1970s, which shaped his tough reputation outside the ring. Despite these distractions, Green discovered as an outlet and excelled in the amateur ranks, compiling a record of 64 wins and 7 losses, with 51 knockouts. His highlights included winning four heavyweight titles in 1976, 1977, 1979, and 1980, establishing him as one of the top amateur s in the country.

Professional Career

Green turned professional in 1980, quickly building an undefeated streak, including a first-round in his debut against Jerry Foley. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches with an 82-inch reach, his and powerful punching made him a formidable contender in the division. He defeated Young Joe Louis by TKO in 1984. However, his trajectory shifted in June 1986 when he challenged the undefeated for the WBC title, lasting all 10 rounds in a hard-fought loss that showcased his durability but highlighted Tyson's dominance (scores: 99–91, 99–91, 98–92). Following the Tyson fight, Green's career became sporadic, marked by losses including a first-round to in 1987 and other setbacks in 1989, though he notched wins against lesser-known opponents into the . His final bout was a fourth-round win over Billy Mitchem on August 2, 2005, after which he retired at age 48.

Notable Events and Personal Life

Beyond the ring, Green's 1988 altercation with Tyson outside a deli at 4 a.m. became legendary in lore; the brawl, stemming from a dispute, left Green with a facial injury requiring stitches and Tyson with a broken hand that delayed his title defense. Green's life was often tumultuous, influenced by his gang affiliations, legal troubles, and struggles with , which contributed to the derailment of what could have been a more illustrious career. In later years, he has appeared in media, including a 2025 book detailing his story, and remains a colorful figure in history for his resilience and street-tough persona.

Early life

Childhood and family background

Mitch Green was born on January 13, 1957, in . His family moved to during his early childhood, settling in urban neighborhoods including , , and . Green's early life was characterized by and the harsh realities of inner-city existence, where he became deeply involved in street culture from a young age. As a teenager, he joined and eventually led the gang, navigating a world of violence, drugs, and territorial conflicts that tested his resilience. These experiences in New York's tough environments, including areas, exposed him to constant hardship and influenced his development into a formidable figure. The absence of stable family guidance amid such chaos contributed to his aggressive outlook, setting the stage for his later pursuits.

Introduction to boxing and early influences

Mitch Green, raised in , New York, turned to during his youth as a means to escape the violent street gang life in which he was deeply involved, having risen to leadership in the Black Spades. As a teen, Green sought structure and discipline through the sport, channeling his natural fighting instincts from neighborhood brawls into formal training at the United Block Association Gym in . This transition provided him with an outlet to avoid the escalating dangers of gang activities, including drugs and guns, allowing him to focus on personal development and athletic potential. Green's early influences included the legendary heavyweight , whose style and charisma inspired many young boxers of the era; Green represented the Amateur Boxing Club in competitions, drawing motivation from Ali's blend of skill, showmanship, and resilience. Although specific trainers like Bobby Miles are noted in the boxing community for mentoring promising talents from gyms during that period, Green's initial regimen emphasized building his imposing physical frame—standing 6 feet 5 inches tall with an 82-inch reach—through rigorous sessions against older, more experienced fighters. These sessions honed his durability and reach advantage, transforming his raw power into a competitive edge. Through this early immersion, Green not only developed technically but also found a path to self-improvement, setting the foundation for his amateur success without delving into competitive outcomes.

Amateur career

Local and regional competitions

Mitch Green's amateur boxing career began in the mid-1970s in , where he quickly made his mark in local novice divisions. His first significant appearance came in the 1976 New York Daily News Novice Championship, where he defeated Anthony Zampelli to claim the title, marking the start of his regional dominance. This victory showcased his raw power and set the foundation for subsequent successes in the city's competitive amateur scene. Over the next few years, Green accumulated over 50 wins in local and regional events, compiling an official amateur record of 64-7 with 51 knockouts. He secured multiple New York Daily News Golden Gloves titles, including the 1977 Heavyweight Open Championship by defeating Guy Casale. In regional intercity competitions, he claimed the 1977 Heavyweight title with a first-round knockout over Calvin Cross at Madison Square Garden, highlighting his ability to overpower opponents in high-stakes New York-area bouts. These achievements against key local rivals like Casale and Cross helped him build a reputation for toughness and finishing ability in the heavyweight division. Green honed his aggressive, pressure-oriented style during these years, often engaging opponents in close-range exchanges that capitalized on his physicality and knockout prowess. Training primarily at the United Block Association Gym in , he balanced rigorous commitments with his studies at in , where he navigated the demands of academics alongside daily sparring and conditioning sessions. This period of grassroots competition solidified his standing in the New York community before advancing to broader circuits.

National championships and highlights

Mitch Green's ascent to national prominence in amateur boxing was marked by his participation in the 1980 U.S. Olympic trials, where he competed in the heavyweight division and advanced to the quarterfinals before suffering a points decision loss to Marvis Frazier in Atlanta, Georgia. This performance against elite competition underscored his potential on the national stage, though the U.S. boycott of the Moscow Olympics prevented further Olympic pursuit. Building briefly on his regional successes, Green's four New York Golden Gloves titles—in 1976 (novice, defeating Anthony Zampelli), 1977 (open, defeating Guy Casale), 1979 (open, defeating Ralph Fucci), and 1980 (open, defeating Merlin Castellanos)—positioned him for broader exposure, including two victories in the prestigious Intercity Golden Gloves tournament pitting New York against Chicago. In 1977, he secured the heavyweight crown with a first-round knockout over Calvin Cross at Madison Square Garden, and in 1979, he won a decision against William Hosea to claim the title again. These wins highlighted his knockout power and resilience against top regional rivals transitioning toward national contention. Throughout his amateur tenure, Green compiled an official record of 64 wins and 7 losses, with 51 knockouts, demonstrating his dominance in the class and including stoppages of opponents who would later pursue careers. His aggressive style and punching prowess earned him recognition within New York circles as a standout talent ready for ranks by 1980.

Professional career

Debut and early professional fights (1980-1984)

Mitch Green made his debut on November 8, 1980, defeating Jerry Foley by first-round knockout at Caesars Tahoe in . This victory marked the beginning of a rapid ascent, as Green followed with three more first- or second-round knockouts against Johnny Pitts, Harold Rice, and Lindsey Page in late 1980 and early 1981, all held in New York and venues. Prior to turning pro, Green's extensive amateur background, including over 170 bouts and multiple titles, laid the groundwork for his powerful punching and resilient style in the professional ranks. Green's early momentum was briefly interrupted on February 21, 1981, when he fought to a six-round draw against at the Great Gorge in , , his only blemish in the initial phase of his career. He rebounded strongly, securing six consecutive wins from June 1981 to October 1982 against opponents including Melvin Epps, Willard Dumas, Walter Ware, Grady Daniels, and Lon Dale Friesen, often in under two rounds, primarily at casinos in Atlantic City and . These bouts, promoted through small-scale deals in the Northeast, highlighted Green's power, with 10 of his first 11 victories ending inside the distance. A pivotal early test came on June 26, 1982, when Green won a unanimous decision over Walter Santemore in a 10-round bout at in , demonstrating his ability to go the distance while utilizing his 82-inch reach to control the fight. Green signed with promoter , a former manager who had transitioned to , shortly after his amateur career, which facilitated these regional opportunities and built his record to 10 wins and 1 draw by the end of 1982. In 1983, he added a unanimous decision victory over the durable Floyd "Jumbo" Cummings in 10 rounds at Meadowlands Arena in , further solidifying his reputation among journeymen heavyweights. By 1984, Green extended his undefeated streak with five more victories, including knockouts of James Dixon, Lynwood Jones, and —a durable opponent with a notable pedigree—and a over Scaff in , bringing his record to 15 wins, 1 draw, and 0 losses. These fights, often at hotel casinos and auditoriums, were arranged through Finkel's promotional network, emphasizing Green's emerging presence in the heavyweight division against modestly experienced opposition.

Rise to contention and major bouts (1985-1986)

In 1985, Mitch Green, riding momentum from his early successes, entered a pivotal phase of his career with a record of 15-1-1, positioning him for higher-profile matchups in the division. His most notable bout that year came on August 9 against former WBC champion at the Riviera Hotel in , a 10-round fight for the United States Association (USBA) title. Despite dropping a (scores of 98-94, 98-94, and 96-96), the contest highlighted Green's resilience and physical advantages, earning him regional recognition and elevating his standing among contenders despite the defeat. Green rebounded strongly in early 1986, securing a victory over Pershell Davis on January 25 at The Omni in , Georgia, in another 10-round affair where Davis was knocked down once in the eighth round. This win improved his record to 16-2-1 and reaffirmed his viability as a top-10 contender, drawing interest from promoters for eliminatory bouts toward world title contention. By mid-1986, Green's imposing 6-foot-5 frame and 82-inch reach had generated media attention as a formidable "giant" capable of challenging elite opponents, though his relative inexperience against speedier punchers prompted a emphasis on defensive improvements.

Bout against Mike Tyson (1986)

The bout between Mitch Green and took place on May 20, 1986, at in , serving as a key matchup in the division where Green, ranked No. 7 by the WBC, faced the surging 19-year-old Tyson. Green, coming off a string of wins that had elevated his contender status, reportedly earned $30,000 for the fight, a purse he publicly criticized as insufficient prior to the event. The 10-round non-title contest drew significant attention as Tyson's 21st professional fight, pitting Green's experience against Tyson's raw power and undefeated record of 20-0 with 19 knockouts. Green started aggressively in the early rounds, pressing forward with jabs and combinations to test Tyson's defense, but Tyson countered effectively with short, explosive hooks and uppercuts that disrupted Green's rhythm. In the third and fourth rounds, Tyson dislodged Green's mouthpiece three times with precise head shots, while landing heavy body punches that visibly slowed the taller fighter. Green rallied in the middle rounds, particularly the eighth, where he unleashed a flurry of rights and lefts that forced Tyson to weave defensively, but overall, Tyson maintained control through relentless pressure and roadhouse-style body work, preventing any knockdowns despite Green's resilience. Tyson secured a victory, with judges scoring the fight 9-1 (twice) and 8-2 in his favor. statistics showed Tyson landing 282 of 460 punches (61% accuracy), including numerous body shots, while Green connected on 130 of 314 (41%). Despite the lopsided loss, Green's ability to go the full distance against the heavily favored Tyson boosted his profile in the community, paving the way for higher-profile opportunities and improved financial terms in his subsequent fights.

Later career and decline (1987-2005)

Following his unanimous decision loss to Mike Tyson in 1986, which hampered his prospects for high-profile matchmaking, Mitch Green's activity dwindled significantly, with no recorded professional bouts until 1993. Green's attempted comeback began with a second-round technical knockout loss to Bruce Johnson on February 26, 1993, at the Total Sports Pavilion in Woodbridge, Virginia, after the referee halted the fight due to Green's refusal to throw punches. He followed this with a unanimous decision defeat to Melvin Foster over six rounds on June 3, 1994, at the Huntington Hilton Hotel in Melville, New York. A brief highlight came in 1995 with a four-round unanimous decision victory over Lou Turchiarelli on August 25 in Middletown, New York. The late 1990s saw further inconsistency, including a no-contest against Mike Dixon on July 23, 1998, at the Sons of Italy in Lake Worth, Florida; a four-round unanimous decision loss to Miguel Otero on September 10, 1998, in the same venue; and a first-round technical knockout defeat to prospect Brian Nix on October 8, 1998, at Sportsfest in , New York. These outings against journeymen and up-and-comers underscored Green's diminishing competitiveness amid prolonged inactivity and the absence of major promotional backing. Green returned in 2002 with a 12-round unanimous decision victory over Danny Wofford on March 9 in , capturing the vacant World Boxing Syndicate (WBS) super heavyweight title. After another hiatus, at age 48, his final bout came on August 5, 2005, a fourth-round win against Billy Mitchem at the Omni New Daisy Theater in . Green retired with a professional record of 19 wins, 6 losses, and 1 draw, including 12 knockouts, reflecting a trajectory marked by aging, irregular scheduling, and limited exposure to elite competition in his later years.

Feud with Mike Tyson

The 1988 street fight in Harlem

On August 23, 1988, at approximately 4:30 a.m., and Mitch Green engaged in an unsanctioned street altercation outside Dapper Dan's clothing store in , New York. The incident stemmed from lingering tensions following their 1986 match, with Green confronting Tyson over unpaid earnings he attributed to promoter . Green reportedly ripped Tyson's shirt and shoved him while "ranting and raving," prompting Tyson to strike back in what he described as . The brief scuffle involved punches exchanged between the two heavyweights, ending quickly when Tyson's entourage intervened and he fled the scene after shaking his injured hand. Green sustained a swollen left eye that closed shut and a cut across the bridge of his nose requiring five stitches, while Tyson suffered a hairline to the third metacarpal of his right hand. No police were present during the fight itself, resulting in no immediate arrests, though Green later filed a third-degree against Tyson at the 25th Precinct. In the immediate aftermath, Tyson was hospitalized to treat his hand injury, which raised concerns about his scheduled October title defense against . Green, displaying his facial injuries, initially pressed charges but withdrew them within days, reportedly influenced by promises of a potential rematch if he improved his rankings. Green downplayed the beating, stating that Tyson "hit me and ran like a ," while Tyson dismissed the encounter as over "faster than Spinks," referring to his quick knockout of earlier that year. The brawl captured widespread attention in New York media, including tabloids like the New York Post, highlighting the raw clash between Tyson's rising stardom and the gritty street dynamics of Harlem boxing culture. The 1988 street fight between Mitch Green and Mike Tyson ignited widespread media attention, dominating front-page stories in major outlets like The New York Times and United Press International, which depicted Green as the gritty, street-tough Harlem native challenging the rising celebrity status of the heavyweight champion Tyson. This portrayal amplified Green's image as an underdog from Harlem's tough streets, contrasting sharply with Tyson's polished, media-savvy persona, and fueled public fascination with the raw, unscripted clash outside Dapper Dan's boutique. In the ensuing legal battles, Green pursued multiple actions tied to the feud, including a 1997 against Tyson seeking $25 million in for injuries from the street fight, which resulted in a awarding him $45,000 after finding Tyson acted in . Green also sued promoter in the 1990s for underpayment related to the hype surrounding his 1986 bout with Tyson, alleging King shortchanged him $30,000 while Tyson earned $650,000, though the claim was settled out of court without public disclosure of terms. These proceedings highlighted ongoing financial disputes exacerbated by the Tyson's , with Green publicly accusing King of manipulation that prolonged the animosity. The rivalry has endured into recent years, with Green expressing unresolved bitterness in a January 2025 interview, delivering a pointed three-word to Tyson: "With a quickness," in response to Tyson's November 15, 2024, fight with , referencing the lingering grudge nearly four decades after their encounters. This ongoing tension has cemented Green's "Blood" nickname and elevated his cult status within lore, as explored in Charles Farrell's 2025 book The Legend of Mitch "Blood" Green and Other Boxing Essays, which portrays the feud as a pivotal chapter in Green's resilient, if turbulent, legacy.

Personal life

Gang affiliations and street involvement

Mitch Green became involved with street gangs during his youth in , joining the in during the as a teenager and rising to a leadership position within the group. The , one of the largest and most notorious gangs in the city at the time, engaged in turf wars and protection rackets amid the era's urban violence. Green's participation in these activities shaped his early life in the rough neighborhoods of , where survival often depended on gang affiliations. His nickname "Blood" stemmed from his fierce reputation for violence and loyalty during these gang years, particularly from street fights where he was known to leave opponents bleeding. Before achieving fame in , Green earned this moniker through his role as a , reflecting the brutal dynamics of 1970s street culture. This background contributed to his aggressive, unrelenting style in the ring later on. Following the peak of his career in the , Green periodically returned to street life during lulls in his professional activities, maintaining ties to the environment that defined his youth. This involvement included arrests for minor assaults and in the , underscoring ongoing challenges with street entanglements. In a 2024 with VladTV, Green reflected on his experiences as a necessary survival strategy amid the and dangers of housing projects, where he spent part of his early years before moving to . He described the harsh realities of these environments, including being shot in the head as a young man, as forces that drove his path into life for protection and sustenance. Green faced multiple legal issues in the late 1980s unrelated to his or gang activities. In August 1987, he was arrested and charged with criminal possession of a as well as driving without a valid after police stopped his vehicle. On September 25, 1988, Green was charged with third-degree following allegations that he struck his girlfriend, Gadson Ballaries. Later that month, he was arrested again for driving while impaired by alcohol after being found in a parked with an open bottle of . These incidents contributed to a pattern of legal troubles that persisted into the 1990s, including short stints in for various offenses, during which Green reportedly used his time to train and promote himself. In December 1995, Green was charged with second-degree criminal mischief after allegedly causing $9,000 in damage to his manager's office in during an argument. In boxing-related matters, Green had a protracted dispute with promoter over payments for his 1986 undercard bout against , where Green earned $30,000 compared to Tyson's $650,000 purse, leading him to threaten to withdraw from the fight unless his compensation was increased. Green later sued King for $10 million, alleging , manipulation, and unfair treatment that differed from how King handled other fighters like Tyson.

Family, health issues, and recent activities (post-2005)

Mitch Green has maintained a low public profile in his later years, focusing on personal matters away from the spotlight. He resides in , New York, where he has lived for much of his adult life. Regarding his family, Green has spoken sparingly about his personal relationships, but recent accounts indicate he spends his retirement peacefully with family members or loved ones. Green's health has been impacted by long-term effects from his career and past incidents, including a severe leg injury from a shooting in the that required extensive , as well as facial and eye damage sustained during his 1988 street altercation with . In early 2025, at age 68, he appeared somewhat out of breath while demonstrating during a video , though he claimed to retain his speed and power. Post-retirement, Green's activities have included media appearances reflecting on his career. In late 2024 and early 2025, he participated in a series of interviews with VladTV, recounting his life story, his longstanding rivalry with —including a $25 million that resulted in a modest $45,000 award—and expressing regrets over certain career decisions. He also commented on Tyson's November 2024 bout against , attributing Tyson's performance to prior steroid use and issuing an open challenge to Paul himself.

Boxing records

Professional boxing record

Mitch Green compiled a professional boxing record of 19 wins (12 by ), 6 losses, 1 draw, and 1 no contest across 27 bouts from November 1980 to 2005, boxing a total of 167 rounds. His knockout rate stood at 63.16%, with notable performances in high-profile venues such as . Official records from show no major disputes, though some early bouts lack complete round-by-round documentation due to limited archival data. The following table summarizes all of Green's professional bouts, including opponents, dates, locations, and results:
Bout #DateOpponentResultRecord AfterLocation
1Nov 1980Jerry FoleyW1-0-0Caesars Tahoe, Stateline, Nevada
2Nov 1980Johnny PittsW2-0-0Civic Center, Hartford, Connecticut
3Dec 1980Harold RiceW3-0-0Kingsbridge Armory, The Bronx, New York
4Jan 1981Lindsey PageW4-0-0Ice World, Totowa, New Jersey
5Feb 1981Robert EvansD4-0-1Great Gorge Playboy Club, McAfee, New Jersey
6Jun 1981Melvin EppsW5-0-1Playboy Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey
7Apr 1982Willard DumasW6-0-1Stouffer's Inn, Cleveland, Ohio
8May 1982Walter WareW7-0-1Playboy Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey
9Jun 1982Walter SantemoreW8-0-1Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada
10Aug 1982Grady DanielsW9-0-1Stouffers Ballroom, Cleveland, Ohio
11Oct 1982Lon Dale FriesenW10-0-1Sands Casino Hotel, Atlantic City, New Jersey
12Feb 1983Floyd CummingsW11-0-1Meadowlands Arena, East Rutherford, New Jersey
13Jul 1983James DixonW12-0-1Dunes Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada
14Mar 1984Lynwood JonesW13-0-1Showboat Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada
15Jul 1984Young LouisW14-0-1Municipal Auditorium, Kingston, Jamaica
16Aug 1984Sammy ScaffW15-0-1Riviera Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada
17Aug 1985Trevor BerbickL15-1-1Riviera Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada
18Jan 1986Perscell DavisW16-1-1The Omni, Atlanta, Georgia
19May 1986Mike TysonL16-2-1Madison Square Garden, New York, New York
20Feb 1993Bruce JohnsonL16-3-1Total Sports Pavilion, Woodbridge, New Jersey
21Jun 1994Melvin FosterL16-4-1Huntington Hilton Hotel, Melville, New York
22Aug 1995Lou TurchiarelliW17-4-1Middletown, New York
23Jul 1998Mike DixonNC17-4-1Sons Of Italy, Lake Worth, Florida
24Sep 1998Miguel OteroL17-5-1Sons Of Italy, Lake Worth, Florida
25Oct 1998Brian NixL17-6-1Sportsfest, Staten Island, New York
26Mar 2002Dan WoffordW18-6-1Annandale, Virginia
27Aug 2005Billy MitchemW19-6-1Omni New Daisy Theater, Memphis, Tennessee
Of Green's 19 victories, 12 ended by or technical , including early-career stoppages against opponents like Grady Daniels and later wins over Dan Wofford and Billy Mitchem; the remaining 7 were by decision. His losses primarily came via in marquee matchups, such as the 1986 bout against , where he demonstrated resilience by going the full 10 rounds. The single draw occurred in his fifth professional fight against .

Exhibition boxing record

Mitch Green's exhibition record is notably sparse, with no formal non-competitive bouts documented in authoritative databases such as . These rare appearances reflect Green's emphasis on professional comebacks and his history of injuries, which limited his involvement in non-essential activities.

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2344579/bio/
  2. https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/fighters/488555-mitch-green-blood
  3. https://www.espn.com/boxing/s/2002/0129/1319552.html
  4. https://www.martialbot.com/boxing/boxers/mitch-green-47c4e497bc96b4f7031ee7c7b2dc6eb3
  5. https://boxrec.com/en/box-pro/3171
  6. https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/30379155/the-long-winding-road-brought-mike-tyson-back-boxing
  7. https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1986/05/21/tyson-defeats-green-in-unanimous-decision/88ae066d-1184-47ff-9543-370303754317/
  8. https://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/11986943/mike-tyson-and-mitch-blood-green-had-a-notorious-street-fight-but-this-is-an-untold-story-about-another-time-blood-was-spilled
  9. https://deadspin.com/the-legend-of-mitch-green-1826638743/
  10. https://boxrec.com/wiki/index.php/Mitch_Green
  11. https://www.nydailynews.com/2011/11/15/1977-1986-a-new-generation-of-champions/
  12. https://boxerlist.com/en/boxer/mitch-green/2806
  13. https://www.nytimes.com/1980/06/18/archives/fraziers-son-is-victor-in-olympic-boxing-trials.html
  14. https://www.nytimes.com/1981/06/29/sports/finkel-finds-gold-in-ring-too.html
  15. https://www.nytimes.com/1986/05/19/sports/green-out-to-regain-glitter.html
  16. https://www.martialbot.com/boxing/boxers/mitch-green-47c4e497bc96b4f7031ee7c7b2dc6eb3/losses
  17. https://www.upi.com/Archives/1986/05/08/Mitch-Green-reluctant-to-be-another-victim-in-Mike/1656515908800/
  18. https://boxrec.com/wiki/index.php/Mike_Tyson_vs._Mitch_Green
  19. https://www.nytimes.com/1986/05/20/sports/purse-of-30000-angers-green.html
  20. https://www.espn.com/espn/page2/story?page=pearlman/070530
  21. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-08-25-sp-1352-story.html
  22. https://www.deseret.com/1988/8/26/18776409/green-drops-charges-for-shot-at-fight/
  23. https://www.nytimes.com/1988/08/24/sports/tyson-hurts-right-hand-in-scuffle-with-a-boxer.html
  24. https://www.nytimes.com/1988/08/25/sports/tyson-s-turbulent-rounds-conflict-crisis-street-fight.html
  25. https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/09/21/Former-heavyweight-contender-Mitch-Blood-Green-whose-street-brawl/7761590817600/
  26. https://www.insidehook.com/adventure/tyson-trump-and-mitch-blood-green-the-craziest-street-fight-in-u-s-history-was-30-years-ago-today
  27. https://www.nydailynews.com/1997/10/16/mitch-green-wins-45g-in-88-tyson-brawl/
  28. https://www.nytimes.com/1997/10/08/sports/plus-in-the-news-boxing-king-says-he-gave-green-a-chance.html
  29. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sk90R6h85bw
  30. https://www.essentiallysports.com/boxing-news-thirty-eight-years-later-mitch-green-sends-a-clear-three-word-message-to-mike-tyson/
  31. https://hamilcarpubs.com/books/legend-of-mitch-blood-green-and-other-boxing-essays/
  32. https://hiphopandpolitics.com/tag/black-spades/
  33. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpXxPvA8QkM
  34. http://www.boxing247.com/weblog/archives/121246
  35. http://boxingtalk.com/Mitch-Green-Still-bitter-after-all-these-years
  36. https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/09/21/Former-heavyweight-contender-Mitch-Blood-Green-whose-street-brawl/6296590817600/
  37. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-08-28-sp-2889-story.html
  38. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-10-03-sp-2523-story.html
  39. https://www.nytimes.com/1988/10/03/sports/green-arrested-again.html
  40. https://deadspin.com/the-legend-of-mitch-green-1826638743
  41. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-12-27-sp-18385-story.html
  42. https://duo.getjohn.co.uk/15115344/was-boxer-mitch-blood-green-a-gang-leader-update-on-mike-tyson-039-s-rival-where-is-he-now/
  43. https://www.essentiallysports.com/boxing-news-put-on-lipstick-and-dance-mitch-green-blames-regressive-steroid-use-for-mike-tyson-s-defeat-against-jake-paul/
  44. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfWA-vpPiGA
  45. https://www.newsbreak.com/finurah-1835379/3740943872810-mitch-blood-green-revisits-feud-with-mike-tyson-harlem-brawl-25m-lawsuit-and-claims-tyson-still-owes-him-money
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