Here are 10 shocking facts about Mike Tyson that you might not know:
1-Youngest Heavyweight Champion In 1986, at just 20 years and 4 months old, Mike Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion ever, defeating Trevor Berbick. His unmatched speed, power, and aggression set him apart at such a young age.
2-Owned Tigers as Pets Tyson famously had three Bengal tigers as pets, including one named Kenya. He reportedly spent over $70,000 on acquiring one and additional funds on their care and maintenance.
3-Starred in The Hangover Tyson surprised fans with a comedic role in the 2009 film “The Hangover,” where he played a fictional version of himself. This cameo revitalized his public image and introduced him to a younger audience.
4-Infamous Ear-Biting Incident One of the most notorious moments in sports history occurred in 1997 during Tyson’s rematch with Evander Holyfield when Tyson bit off a part of Holyfield’s ear. This act led to his disqualification and a $3 million fine.
5-Squandered $400 Million Earnings Tyson earned over $400 million during his boxing career but declared bankruptcy in 2003. His lavish spending on mansions, cars, jewelry, and exotic pets, along with poor financial decisions, led to his financial collapse.
6-Star of an Animated Show Tyson starred in an animated TV series, “Mike Tyson Mysteries,” voicing a fictional version of himself solving bizarre cases alongside a talking pigeon and a ghost. The show, filled with humor and absurdity, showcased a lighter side of the boxer.
7-Conviction for Rape In 1992, Tyson was convicted of raping Desiree Washington, an 18-year-old Miss Black America contestant. He served three years of a six-year prison sentence.
8-Passion for Pigeons Since childhood, Tyson has been passionate about pigeons. His first fight reportedly happened when a bully killed one of his pigeons. He continues to keep and care for hundreds of pigeons to this day.
9-Tragic Loss of His Daughter In 2009, Tyson’s 4-year-old daughter, Exodus, tragically died in a treadmill accident. This heartbreaking event deeply affected him and led to a period of intense personal reflection.
10-Adopted Vegan Lifestyle In 2010, Tyson switched to a vegan diet, claiming it helped him lose over 100 pounds and significantly improved his mental and physical health.