Why was Mike Tyson so popular?

[Max Power]

First, Muhammed Ali was hated by more people in his day than Broner.

As for Tyson, he was what people wanted in a heavyweight champion. He seemed like a caged animal that was only let loose on fight night. And he went in there to destroy. Then when he was allowed to be in the media he was a train wreck. Train wrecks are both horrifying and compelling. A wreck doesn't have to obstruct a road to cause a traffic jam because everyone wants to get a good look.

There will always be a bit of intrigue with Mike, how we can never know what might happen at the next moment.

That's not entirely true @Ron Swanson,

When Mike was champ first reign, for the most part, he was a beloved character by everyone outside of the ring. He was the epitome of the good guy.

And even AFTER he viciously assaulted his fellow boxer, he always went over to help them up to their feet and into their corner.

There had been FEW more gentlemanly men in the sport than Tyson UNTIL the Given's saga unfolded and he went off the rails.

And today, after boxing, Mike is once again a good guy.