Mike Tyson has lived quite a life in and out of the boxing ring. Several moments have been positive and negative, as the Hall of Famer has seen and done it all.
Tyson’s life experiences led him to return to the ring for the first time since 2005, when he takes on Jake Paul on November 15.
The fight in Texas airs on Netflix and is expected to be watched by a massive worldwide audience.
Debuting in the ring in 1985, Tyson was untouchable to start his career. He knocked out his opponents with ease and later became the youngest heavyweight champion of all time.
During the height of his career, he has had controversial moments, from being convicted and sentenced in 1992 for rape to biting Evander Holyfield’s ear.
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Tyson ended his career going 1-3 in his last four fights and on a two-fight losing streak, quitting on his stool against Kevin McBride. He left boxing after not feeling enough passion for the sport anymore.
What has Tyson done following a long career? Here’s a breakdown of Tyson’s life following boxing.
What has Mike Tyson done since boxing retirement?
Tyson has had quite a life following his run at the top.
Though Tyson retired in 2005, he continued to box to pay off massive debts. He announced the Mike Tyson World Tour, with a fight against Corey Sanders in Ohio in 2006 being poorly received. Tyson ended the tour right after.
He started to reach a low point in his life after, which was emphasized in a chilling USA Today interview (via WFMY News 2). Following boxing, he tended to his pigeons, which comforted him.
“My whole life has been a waste – I’ve been a failure,” Tyson said. “I just want to escape. I’m really embarrassed with myself and my life. I want to be a missionary. I think I could do that while keeping my dignity without letting people know they chased me out of the country.
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“I want to get this part of my life over as soon as possible. In this country, nothing good is going to come of me. I’m so stigmatized, there is no way I can elevate myself.”
In 2009 and 2011, Tyson appeared in “The Hangover” films as himself. The first film was a massive hit and featured Tyson punching Zach Galifianakis’ character. He later revealed he didn’t know about the initial “Hangover” cameo because he was on drugs and drinking while filming.
Tyson also appeared on several shows, including “The Roast of Charlie Sheen,” “The Last O.G.,” “Entourage,” and “Lip Sync Battle.” He has even made an impact in pro wrestling, appearing on WWE and AEW programming — the former a continued relationship after being a guest referee at WrestleMania XIV.
In 2009, after knowing her since she was 18, Tyson married Lakiha Spicer. They got married two weeks after the death of Tyson’s four-year-old daughter, Exodus. He credited Spicer for saving his life during a dark period.
“I’m very happy me and my wife got together,” Tyson told The New York Post, “because I don’t know how I would have survived out there.
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“I’m just happy I got involved with her. It’s truly a life-saving experience.”
“Iron” Mike released the book Undisputed Truth in 2013, resulting in a one-man show national tour, where he talked about his personal and professional life.
In recent years, Tyson opened the Tyson Ranch after marijuana became legalized in California. He also hosts a podcast, dubbed Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson.
Tyson did return to the ring in 2020 to face Roy Jones Jr. in an exhibition following the creation of the Legends Only League.
That opened the door for a Paul fight, as “The Problem Child” fought former NBA player Nate Robinson at that event.