Mike Tyson breaks down in tears after claiming he’s ‘nothing’ since retiring from boxing

The former world heavyweight champion opened up on the different way people now treat him since retiring from boxing

Jack Rathborn
Wednesday 04 March 2020 14:30 GMT
Comments
Mike Tyson discusses Floyd Mayweather

Your support helps us to tell the story

This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.

The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.

Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.

Mike Tyson broke down in tears in conversation with his hero Sugar Ray Leonard after admitting he is now “nothing” following his retirement from boxing.

The former heavyweight world champion welcomed the former five-weight world champion on to his podcast Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson for an emotional heart-to-heart.

Iron Mike, who last appeared in the ring in 2005, reflected on the way he has changed and his perception in the public, conceding he is no longer feared.

“I know the art of fighting. I know the art of war. That’s all I’ve ever studied. That’s why I’m so feared,” Tyson said on his podcast.

“That’s why they feared me when I was in the ring. I was an annihilator. That’s all I was born for.

Mike Tyson broke down in tears reflecting on the way he has changed (Hotboxin with Mike Tyson)
Mike Tyson broke down in tears reflecting on the way he has changed (Hotboxin with Mike Tyson) (Hotboxin with Mike Tyson)

“Now those days are gone. It’s empty. I’m nothing. I’m working on being the art of humbleness.

“That’s the reason why I’m crying, ‘cause I’m not that person no more. And I miss him.”

The 53-year-old then admitted to fearing his former self, who occasionally lost control, as illustrated by the notorious ear-biting incident in his 1997 fight against Evander Holyfield.

“’Cause sometimes I feel like a b****,” Tyson added. ”Because I don’t want that person to come out, ‘cause if he comes out, hell is coming with him.

“And it’s not funny at all. It’s not cool, like, I’m a tough guy. It’s just that I hate that guy. I’m scared of him.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in