Hero to zero: How Tyson, Holyfield and Iverson went bankrupt

Martyn Thomas 13:26 22/12/2014
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  • Knock-down: Tyson filed for bankruptcy in 2003 after squandering almost $300m (Dh1.103bn) on cars, drugs and women.

    Despite earning vast sums of money in their professional sporting careers, Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Allen Iverson, Scottie Pippen and George Best have all filed for bankruptcy for a variety of reasons in retirement.

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    Mike Tyson – Estimated career earnings: $300-400m (Dh1.4-1.5 billion)

    The most feared boxer of his generation, Tyson was also deeply troubled. Having spent three years in jail before biting part of Evander Holyfield's ear off, the former heavyweight champion of the world owed $27 million (DH99.2m) when he filed for bankruptcy in 2003.

    Evander Holyfield – Estimated career earnings: $250m (Dh918m)


    The former world heavyweight champion was a popular figure in the 1990s, leading to numerous TV appearances and endorsements. However, in 2008 his financial struggles were laid bare as his $10m (36.7m) estate was put up for auction.

    Allen Iverson – Estimated career earnings: $150m (Dh550m)

    The full extent of Iversen's finacial woes were revealed during his divorce proceedings. The 11-time All Star's outgoings were shown to be a staggering $360,000 (Dh1.3m) per month. Iversen reportedly has a $30m (DH110.2m) trust fund set aside by Reebok, but he cannot touch it until he's 55.

    George Best – Estimated career earnings: $100m (Dh367m)

    British football's first global superstar, Best amassed a huge fortune but was unable to keep hold of it. "I've spent a lot of money on booze, women and fast cars," he once told the BBC. "The rest I just squandered."

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