Mike Tyson recalled being a street fighter during his youth in the 1970s.
Tyson became the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World in 1987 after defeating Tony Tucker. However, the road to becoming a champion was not easy. Tyson spent his youth in Brownsville, Brooklyn, where he forged a reputation for being a street fighter. Tyson lived in an area with a high crime rate. By age 13, he was arrested 38 times for various petty crimes. He was detained in a juvenile detention centre. And yet, those struggles helped him become a feared boxer. Tyson’s first 19 fighters were all by knockout. He ended his career with a record of 50-6 record. During a speaking event in 2021, Tyson recalled his prior life.
Tyson Reacts
“All the time [I was street fighting], for money, yes. I must’ve had like three or four fights a day. For money or I was robbing somebody. I’m talking about from like age nine, ten. This stuff just came natural, that’s what I was made to do. All of the tough guys and the criminal guys wanted to hang out with me.
“They put me in their gang. I was this size at 12 years old, I was 200lbs [14 stone] at 12 years old. Listen, I was fighting the kid, then I was fighting their fathers. I’m serious. I might’ve hit them too hard, they were crying, went home and got their father. Then I would fight the father. My right hand to God, I’m telling the truth,” Tyson said
Tyson, however, is expected to fight again. He agreed a deal to face Jake Paul on July 20. It was a mega event that would have aired on Netflix for the first time. The bout was scheduled as an eight-round pro fight. However, Tyson withdrew from the fight due to an inflamed ulcer. This led to suggestions that Tyson should not box.
Tyson Vs. Paul
The bout, though, has been rescheduled for November 15. Tyson’s last professional fight was a 2005 loss to Kevin McBride. Meanwhile, his last bout was a 2020 exhibition fight against Roy Jones Jr. The fight sold over 1 million PPVs, showing Tyson’s huge popularity. Tyson’s replacement was Mike Perry, who will face Paul on the same date. But the fight is struggling to sell, as ticket prices were reduced. But Tyson is fully focused on coming back stronger to face Paul.
“I want to thank my fans around the world for their support and understanding during this time. Unfortunately, due to my ulcer flareup, I have been advised by my doctor to lighten my training for a few weeks to rest and recover. My body is in better overall shape than it has been since the 1990s and I will be back to my full training schedule soon. Jake Paul, this may have bought you some time, but in the end you will still be knocked out and out of boxing for good. I appreciate everyone’s patience and can’t wait to deliver an unforgettable performance later this year,” Tyson stated
