Mike Tyson admitted that his extreme violence during his boxing career was a direct result of the extreme fear that he often feels.
The 57-year-old International Hall of Famer, who earned the nickname “The Baddest Man on the Planet” as a boxer, made the revelation on the latest episode of his “Hotboxin’” podcast, in which he spoke to his therapist Seano and music artist DJ Whoo Kid.
“I am so scared, that I am so violent. I can’t control my violence because I am scared,” Tyson said after his therapist told him that he was a “scared little boy sometimes.”
The former boxing champion acknowledged that, considering his demeanor and tough guy image, it can be difficult for others to understand that “Iron Mike” was “so f—ing scared of everything.”
Tyson also admitted that the only way he could deal with his extreme fear was by using his fists.
“The only thing I know how to do is attack when I feel that way,” he said on his podcast. “They don’t believe that I hate myself.”
Tyson previously revealed that he had a rough childhood, telling Valuetainment TV that he was involved in street fights with children and their fathers daily by the age of 9.
He has shown a new side of himself on his podcast after the ferocity and excitement around his 20-year boxing career.
In 2020, Tyson broke down in tears while talking to Sugar Ray Leonard in an episode of “Hotboxin’,” admitting that he misses his old self.
“I know the art of fight, I know the art of war, that’s all I ever studied,” Tyson explained at the time. “That’s why they feared me when I was in the ring, I was an annihilator. It’s all I was born for. Now, those days are gone. It’s empty. I’m nothing. I’m working on the art of humbleness. That’s the reason I’m crying, because I’m not that person no more, and I miss him. Sometimes I feel like a b—h because I don’t want that person to come out. Because if he comes out, hell will come with him. And I’m scared of him.”
Although a lot has changed for Tyson, he has stayed connected to boxing. He fought Roy Jones Jr. in a 2020 exhibition bout — a performance that resulted in boxing pundits asking for more.
Tyson still appears menacing when he takes the ring but tamer compared to his previous competitive boxing matches. It has become a new avenue for him to earn more money, although nothing has been made official when it comes to a potential new fight.
During a recent appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” Tyson entertained the idea of fighting YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. But he made it clear that he would only accept an offer if the bout would be held this year.
Paul responded to Tyson’s comments, writing on Twitter: “Thank you to the great Mike Tyson for the respect and opportunity. This year we are making it happen.”
Photo: GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA via AFP / AL BELLO
Discussion about this post