The Controversial Life of Boxing Legend Mike Tyson: A Journey Through Headlines

Mike Tyson, one of the world’s most controversial athletes, has captivated audiences for over two decades with his actions both inside and outside the ring. Tyson’s colorful life experiences, whether positive or negative, have significantly contributed to his enduring aura.

10. Tyson’s Love for Exotic Animals

Mike Tyson’s affection for exotic animals is well-documented. The former heavyweight champion owned three Bengal tigers at one point, even wrestling with one of them. However, after realizing the difficulties of domesticating wild animals, he donated two of the tigers to a local sanctuary. A notable incident involved an intruder on Tyson’s property being badly injured by one of the tigers. Despite the intruder trespassing, Tyson covered the medical bills for the injuries sustained.

9. The Face Tattoo That Almost Was

Mike Tyson’s Maori face tattoo is iconic, but the original design was supposed to be different. Tyson initially wanted love hearts tattooed on his face. His tattoo artist objected, fearing the design would harm Tyson’s image. Ultimately, Tyson settled on the tribal design that has since become synonymous with his identity.

8. A Heated Encounter with Michael Jordan

At NFL player Richard Dent’s birthday party, a seemingly festive occasion nearly turned sour when Tyson, reportedly intoxicated, began shouting at basketball legend Michael Jordan. Although some rumors suggest Jordan tried to leave the party to avoid further confrontation, Dent insisted that Jordan remained calm and collected throughout the incident.

7. Physical Altercation with Don King

Tyson’s relationship with his promoter, Don King, was notoriously turbulent. Tyson sued King, alleging that the promoter had stolen millions from him, leading to a settlement. Their animosity culminated in a physical altercation on a Florida highway, where Tyson kicked and punched King, including striking one of King’s personal bodyguards.

6. The Gorilla Fight That Never Happened

Tyson’s fascination with wild animals extended to a desire to fight a gorilla. He attempted to bribe a zookeeper to allow him to fight the primate, but the zookeeper declined, preventing the bizarre spectacle from occurring

5. Assault on Promoter Frank Warren

During his trip to Scotland to fight Lou Savarese, Tyson’s temper flared up multiple times. Promoter Frank Warren arrived ringside with a damaged eye, allegedly caused by Tyson during an argument. Tyson later admitted to being high the entire fight weekend, adding to the chaos of the event.

4. Infamous Street Fight with Mitch Green

Tyson’s rivalry with Mitch Green extended beyond the boxing ring. After defeating Green in a sanctioned bout, Tyson encountered him again in a New York clothing store. The confrontation escalated into a street fight, resulting in Tyson breaking multiple bones in his hand and Green’s eye swelling shut. Green later won a civil suit against Tyson for the altercation.

3. Punching the Local Trash Collector

Tyson’s love for pigeons is a well-known aspect of his childhood in New York. After one of his beloved pigeons died in a trash compactor accident, a distraught Tyson punched the trash collector responsible. The incident highlighted Tyson’s deep emotional connection to his pigeons.

2. Knocking Out Rowdy Fans

Tyson often struggled with overzealous fans invading his privacy. On one occasion, he chased a couple of fans through a hotel lobby, knocking one out before security intervened. Tyson’s challenges with fame were exacerbated by his substance use, leading to volatile encounters.

1. Bribing Police Officers to Avoid Jail

During a heated argument with his then-wife Robin Givens, Tyson lost control of their car, hitting a patron at a fast food restaurant. Desperate to avoid jail time, Tyson attempted to bribe the injured party and offered his luxury Bentley to the responding police officers. Although the officers initially accepted the vehicle, they later faced legal repercussions, and the Bentley was eventually returned to Tyson. In the meantime, promoter Don King replaced the Bentley with another luxury car for Tyson.