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

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

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