The cover photo of Baddest Man: The Making of Mike Tyson is hard to miss. A young, grim-faced Mike Tyson looks into the abstract, peering straight into your soul. A force of nature, his face reflects ruthlessness. Authored by ESPN’s Mark Kriegel, the book has been receiving rave reviews. “The Mike Tyson book all of us (and not just boxing fans) have been waiting for, a biography as nimble and powerful as its subject. Unforgettable,” wrote Jonathan Eig, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of ‘King: The Life of Martin Luther King’ and ‘Ali: A Life.’

There are many books on Mike Tyson, and each is worth a read. It’s difficult to separate boxing history from the journey he took. Leaving everyone in awe, his accomplishments in the ring remain unrivaled. But a sense of fear and scorn descends when details about his actions outside emerge. What makes Kriegel’s story so unique is that initially, he was apprehensive about taking on the project. So much has been written and spoken about the legend. However, a poignant moment forced him to reconsider his decision. Tyson’s story needed to be retold.

No way, I’m not touching this one

This is the story about Mark Kriegel’s journey from denial to overcoming his doubts and hesitation. Eminent journalist Dana Rafael spoke with Kriegel on his popular podcast Fight Freaks Unite. The acclaimed writer whose bestsellers include Namath: A Biography and The Good Son: The Life of Ray ‘Boom Boom’ Mancini’ spoke about his new book and the recently concluded Canelo-Crawford showdown. What may surprise many is that Kriegel refused when approached to write a book on Tyson. “There’s no way I want to do Mike Tyson,” he said.

He had covered Tyson earlier in his career but didn’t want to revisit that work. A few personal challenges bogged him down. He owed a book to the publisher and didn’t want to return the advance. At the same time, he had a personal injury and faced surgery. So the timing felt terrible.

More significantly, in his early years as a columnist, Tyson had been the ‘designated villain’ in his writing. Kriegel often portrayed him negatively. “This guy was like the designated villain in my column, like, no matter what happened, Tyson sucks. And he made it very good villain and you know, for a young columnist, it was kind of it was kind of perfect,” he confessed about his former self.

Revisiting all the past stories and critiques felt daunting and emotionally heavy. However, over time, Kriegel began thinking more deeply about Tyson’s life and career.

Mike Tyson’s story of struggle turned the perspective

He remembered seeing Tyson in 2012 at a preview for his one-man show ‘Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth’. It moved him, and he started weeping when he saw the man behind the villain image he had written about.

“But I remember seeing him in 2012 at the previews for his one-man show, Undisputed Truth, and I’m watching him, this guy I just savaged, and I start, like, weeping. I weep easily,” he added. Later, he met Tyson in person and began to talk. “But I meet him after the show, and we start to talk, and it really stayed with me… I’m crying about thinking about this guy.” Soon after, Kriegel took the idea to his editor, who immediately gave in.

Tyson’s life story is already very well known, so writing something new or fresh is a challenge. Kriegel felt pressure because the bar for telling his story is extremely high. It’s hard to offer readers something they haven’t already seen or heard.

Still, despite the challenges, Kriegel wanted to write about what he saw as ‘probably the greatest single comeback’ he’d ever seen. He saw virtue in Tyson’s ability to survive hardships and return to prominence.

Mark Kriegel can hardly be blamed for his predicaments. From a neglected childhood to boxing triumphs, followed by personal struggles marked by excess, controversy, and scandal, Mike Tyson’s life is a tapestry of highs and lows. Now, as a family man, he enjoys a peaceful life and the fruits of his entrepreneurial ventures.

Yet Tyson’s story never grows old. Time and again, it demands to be told.

Which is your favorite boxing book of all time?