During the late 1980s and early 1990s, former world heavyweight champion, Mike Tyson, had one of the most promising careers. At the time in boxing, Tyson was on cloud nine with an exemplary record and the title of ‘The Youngest Heavyweight Champion’ under his belt. However, his world quickly came crashing down in the year 1991, when a sexual assault accusation paved the way for his incarceration. Tyson once opened up about his experience in solitary confinement.

Tyson was sentenced to six years in prison on March 26, 1992. Moreover, he was taken to, what was then known as, the Indiana Youth Center. But he was released in 1995, three years into his sentence.

A Facebook page named, The Loneliest Sport, recently shared a post where Tyson spoke about his time in prison.

Talking about solitary confinement, he said, “The hole was a trip. They threw me in a six-foot-by-nine-foot room with just a mattress on the floor and a toilet. During the day they would remove the mattress and make me sleep on the concrete floor because they didn’t want me to be comfortable.”

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Tyson also mentioned that it was inhumane to be alone in a room for twenty-three hours a day. And that he became his own company, and in a way, finding freedom in the experience.

Fans respond to what Mike Tyson experienced in prison

Boxing fans were quick to extend their support to Tyson after he narrated his experience. In fact, a lot of fans took to social media to share their thoughts about the same. Patrick Ramirez mentioned that it was a period of contemplation. He said, “Nothing but time to think what’s really important about this thing we call life.”

Meanwhile, Joe Gutierrez spoke against solitary confinement saying, “That was unnecessary punishment for him and anyone else. I don’t have the answers to what consequences for each crime.”

A few fans even shared their own experiences in solitary confinement. Nick Russo said, “Doing time was easy doing box time is like being buried under the prison.”

Similarly, Johnny Pequin mentioned, “Something I share with Mike Tyson. When I was 16 and in Regina Provincial for a month in 1962 they threw me in the hole for 10 days for tipping off to the guard to show off. It was an experience I will never forget but I don’t think it hurt me any.”

A few fans felt that prison made Tyson a better human being. Tyler DeShong said, “Who would have thought 30 years ago, that iron mike would be a modern-day philanthropist? A product of emotions and a rough past, he’s still an inspiration.”

Paul Brewer stated, “If ever there were a better example of a survivor, I’ve never seen it. Mike Tyson defines the word indisputably.”

And, Graham Thomson added, “A good man emerged from the experience a better man. Went on to be a great man.An inspiration for all men.”

There is no denying that solitary confinement took a major toll on the champ. Moreover, it became one of those periods in life that he painfully looks back at.

What are your thoughts on Tyson’s experience in solitary confinement? Let us know in the comments below.

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