In a recent chat show appearance on David Letterman, the legendary Mike Tyson sat down to discuss his boxing career and upcoming fights. Tyson, known for his incredible success in the ring, opened up about how he got into boxing and his ultimate goals in the sport.
Letterman congratulated Tyson on his success and even shared a picture of him on the cover of Sports Illustrated, a big thrill for any athlete. However, Tyson humbly brushed it off, stating that he aims to go even further in his career.
When asked about his start in boxing, Tyson revealed that he began fighting at the age of 12. Contrary to popular belief, he wasn’t someone who naturally gravitated towards the sport. In fact, he explained that he used to get picked on as a young boy because he was small. It wasn’t until a friend introduced him to Cus D’Amato, a renowned boxing trainer from upstate New York, that his love for the sport blossomed. From that moment on, Tyson fell in love with boxing and never looked back.
Throughout his career, Tyson has gained a reputation for his ferocious style and knack for punishing opponents. However, Tyson confidently stated that he has never been hurt in the ring. While the objective of boxing is to avoid getting hurt, he acknowledged that getting hit occasionally is inevitable. But when it comes to being hurt, Tyson has managed to stay unscathed.
Letterman also delved into Tyson’s weight and his upcoming fight. Tyson revealed that he currently weighs around 211 pounds but plans to weigh 217 pounds for his next fight. His opponent, Mitch “Blood” Green, is known for his aggression and excitement when he sees blood, making Tyson’s upcoming bout a highly anticipated event.
The talk show host expressed curiosity about Tyson’s opponents and his recent fights. He mentioned a few names that he recognized, but Tyson quickly dismissed them as not being top-tier contenders. Instead, he emphasized that the boxing business requires a deeper understanding of the sport to recognize the caliber of his opponents.
Letterman also inquired about Tyson’s recent fight, where he took ten rounds to defeat James Tillis. Tyson explained that his performance in that fight took longer because of a recent ear infection caused by falling off his pigeon coop. It seems that Tyson has a unique hobby of raising pigeons, and unfortunately, one fall resulted in an ear infection. Despite the setback, Tyson assured Letterman that he was back in action and ready for his next fight.
The conversation took an interesting turn when Letterman asked about Tyson’s personal life, particularly his dating life. Tyson admitted that although he would like to date, his busy training schedule leaves little time for romance. He revealed that he wants to be able to give a girl his full attention, but with his current commitments, it is challenging to do so.
Finally, the interview touched on Tyson’s future in the boxing world. When asked who he thinks he will have to fight to become a champion, Tyson explained that in the ever-changing world of heavyweight boxing, it’s hard to predict. Titles are won and lost, and fighters and networks often dictate the outcomes. However, Tyson expressed his readiness to fight for the championship whenever his managers present him with a contract.
As the interview concluded, Tyson expressed his gratitude and excitement for his upcoming fight at Madison Square Garden. He noted that being the youngest heavyweight ever to fight in a main event at the Garden is a dream come true for him.
Overall, the interview showcased Tyson’s determination, humility, and love for the sport of boxing. His outlook on his career and his upcoming challenges demonstrate why he continues to be an iconic figure in the world of sports entertainment.
