“It’s Hard to Really Know Who Your Friends Are”: Years Before Getting Robbed of His $100 Million, Mike Tyson Grew Up Surrounded by Deceit in Bad Neighborhood

Published 05/25/2023, 1:40 PM EDT

There’s a line where irony meets tragedy, and Mike Tyson, one of boxing’s most celebrated and controversial figures, has walked this line all too often. From being an unrivaled world champion to a man wrestling with deceit, he was profoundly influenced by his early life experiences and the baffling dynamics of trust within tough neighborhoods. It was during a recent episode of his podcast, “Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson,” that Tyson offered an intriguing glimpse into his upbringing, presenting a fascinating correlation to his famed accusation against Don King, who Tyson alleged robbed him of his $100 million fortune.

But here’s the peculiar twist: what if the man who stole from you also acted as your savior? This paradox serves as the backdrop to the candid conversation that unfolded, providing a fresh perspective on Tyson’s gripping narrative of triumph, loss, and survival.

Tyson’s candid conversation on trust, deceit, and survival in tough neighborhoods

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As Tyson, Tony Yayo, and DJ Whoo Kid settled into the rhythm of the podcast, their dialogue veered towards the enigmatic dynamics of relationships in tough neighborhoods, particularly Brownsville, where Tyson grew up.

Mike Tyson initiated the conversation with a candid remark: “Brownsville is very strange.” To which Tony Yayo immediately responded, “Yeah it’s a tough place.”

The dialogue took a deeper turn as Tyson reflected, “It’s hard to really know who your friends are because you know you can run into somebody in the neighborhood, everybody knows, you know, he’s driving.. he’ll rob you right. Also, he’ll rob you, a big guy, but he’ll rob you. And the next thing you know when some n****s are chasing you and shooting at you, he comes to your rescue. You know what I mean so that’s just something.”

DJ Whoo Kid chimed in, acknowledging the complexity of such scenarios, “It’s very confusing.”

With an amusing note of incredulity, Tyson added, “Like what is this guy protecting me now after he took my 40 bucks,” resulting in collective laughter from the group.

Watch this story: Jamie Foxx’s best impression of Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather

This candid exchange illuminates the complex nature of survival in neighborhoods like Brownsville, laying the foundation for a deeper exploration of Tyson’s past experiences and their echoes in his professional life years later.

Mike Tyson and Yayo reflect on the trials of acquiring massive wealth at a tender age

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Navigating the labyrinth of sudden wealth and youthful naivety, Tyson and Yayo offer a revealing look at the challenges of handling affluence at a young age. Tyson, who amassed substantial wealth early in his career, admits his inability to manage his fortune wisely. An anecdote about a friend who could not resist the lure of immediate indulgence illuminates the struggle to comprehend the concept of saving for another day.

As they reminisce about their past, Yayo empathizes with Tyson’s early experiences, noting that the head rush of wanting to flaunt wealth, leads them to conclude in unison – “it’s crazy, it’s crazy.”

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What do you think of Tyson’s assessment of living in rough neighborhoods like Brownsville? Let us know in the comments below.

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Written by:

Mrinal Mishra is a Boxing writer at EssentiallySports, who is dedicated to covering live events with a special emphasis on influencer boxing events. With a focus on storytelling, Mishra strives to bring to light the stories of fighters that often go untold. As a big fan of Mike Tyson, Mishra believes that boxing will remain relevant for eternity, and he is committed to covering the sport with the respect and admiration it deserves.

Edited by:

Arijit Saha

“It’s Hard to Really Know Who Your Friends Are”: Years Before Getting Robbed of His $100 Million, Mike Tyson Grew Up Surrounded by Deceit in Bad Neighborhood

Tyson’s candid conversation on trust, deceit, and survival in tough neighborhoods

Mike Tyson and Yayo reflect on the trials of acquiring massive wealth at a tender age

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