When we talk about boxing, a few names pop up in the back of our heads. Mike Tyson is very popular among boxing fans and even non-watchers. Tyson has enthralled the whole world with his raw boxing skills and brilliance. But beneath the talent and fame lies a complicated personality filled with tragedies and victories. In this article, we will be discussing the darker aspects of Tyson’s life, his conflicts, hardships, and obstacles. Through his turbulent life and upbringing, we will learn a lot of things about this boxing legend!
Mike Tyson will be remembered as one of the greatest boxers in history. Expert in quick knockout, Tyson is the youngest champion in the heavyweight division. His opponents fell to the ground in a matter of seconds. Because of this, he is known as a “killing machine.” But there are darker truths to the ‘Iron Man’ who got caught up in scandals, drugs, rape, and prison!
[ Also Read: Ryan Garcia Shocks Boxing World with Retirement ]1. Mike Tyson Grew Up Among Criminals
Mike Tyson spent his early years around criminals and in high-crime districts. In an interview with Details, he claimed that a grown man had ripped his pigeon’s head off during their initial altercation. Tyson was frequently arrested for fighting on the streets as people made fun of his lisp and high-pitched voice. He had also committed a number of minor offences. Mike Tyson was arrested 38 times when he was 13!! He found himself at Johnstown, New York’s Tryon School for Boys. Tyson’s boxing skills were noticed by one of the counsellors at the juvenile correctional center. In a 2009 interview with Good Morning Britain, Mike Tyson mentioned,
I was part of gangs, I carried guns, I shot people, I was shot and things like that… My life was similar to anyone who grew up in an African-American slum in the U.S… I grew up without my father, with my mother who was a prostitute.
2. Mike Tyson Was a Victim of Sexual Abuse
Tyson had a terrible childhood. He was a victim as a child even though he was the one who used to beat people. Mike disclosed that he experienced sexual abuse when he was a teenager. In an ESPN interview, he mentioned,
I don’t like discussing it. I want to leave all things in the past. But I had experienced sexual abuse… People don’t want to talk about it because many believe that it will make men less masculine.
3. He was Convicted of Rape and Sent to Prison
In 1992, Mike Tyson was found guilty of rape and given a six-year prison term. He was accused of raping Desiree Washington, then 18-year-old Miss Black America contender. In 1991, Tyson was found guilty following a protracted trial and started his jail term from 1992 to 1995. He was accused of “one count of rape, two counts of criminal deviate conduct, and one count of criminal confinement – charges that carried a maximum sentence of 63 years.” The Marion County Court heard Tyson’s rape trial from January to February of 1992! In response to these accusations, Tyson said,
It is not rape if you come to my hotel room at 2:00 am!
4. Mike Tyson’s Drug Addiction
Most people are aware of Tyson’s drug addiction. In the podcast he claimed to have smoked weed all his life, acknowledging that he had later started taking mushrooms. Tyson, who is now 58 years old, has frequently discussed his sexual experiences that eventually led to addiction. He was a money animal when he was young. He even gave drugs to the people he had intercourse with. Mike Tyson made shocking revelations that he took marijuana and mushrooms a lot. In his own words, Tyson mentioned,
I was born an addict. I was a huge cocaine addict and even took it before my fights!
5. Tyson’s Battle With Suicidal Thoughts
Mike Tyson was one of the most feared boxers because it took one blow to destroy his opponents. However, very few people know that he was constantly fighting a voice of abuse, which drove the “Iron Mike” to the verge of death. He mentioned that he started taking psilocybin mushrooms and other drugs to stop his thoughts. He was constantly battling thoughts of suicide. In a 2013 press conference, Tyson mentioned
[ Also Read: Top 10 Movies About Mental Health ]It was one drug after another. The time was crazy. I don’t know how I woke up the next day… The crazy thing is I even thought of committing suicide!
Conclusion: The Tumultuous Life of Tyson
Mike Tyson, one of the greatest boxers of all time, had a terrible life. There’s a lot of unjustifiable things that he did as well. But it is worth acknowledging that even after having such a tumultuous life, Mike Tyson continues to shine in the big stage. Even at the age of 58, Tyson is feared by most boxers!
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