Mike Tyson is back in the news as a fighter for his upcoming fight against Jake Paul. Even in retirement, Tyson remains a figure who can’t escape the public eye, a man whose triumphs and troubles have been spread across headlines for decades. His journey has been a whirlwind – a young fighter taking the boxing world by storm, becoming the youngest heavyweight champion ever.

His dominance was a testament to his raw power and speed, both exhilarating and terrifying to watch. But this reign wasn’t invincible. Buster Douglas‘ knockout of Tyson in 1990 shattered his aura of invincibility, forcing him to confront his own vulnerabilities. Tyson’s career wasn’t defined by victories alone. The infamous ear-biting incident against Evander Holyfield made him a fighter walking a tightrope. In all these events, Tyson revealed his favorite moment.

Mike Tyson reveals what kept him going during trying times

Mike Tyson revisited a defining chapter in his life during a recent interview, highlighting his return to boxing glory after prison as his most cherished moment. “Coming back from prison and winning the championship,” Tyson declared, his voice thick with emotion. He elaborated, posing a question that resonated with the weight of his journey: “Can you imagine that? Being locked up in prison and coming back winning the most glorious crown of all sports?”

This accomplishment, according to Tyson, was more than a title; it was a “mind-changer.” He painted a vivid picture of his struggle: incarceration, the feeling of being “beat down,” and the solitary confinement of “the hole.” Yet, amidst the adversity, a fire burned – the relentless pursuit of reclaiming his heavyweight championship crown. The journalist, curious about Tyson’s mental fortitude during his imprisonment, inquired, “How’d you keep your mind strong when you were locked up?”

Tyson’s response was poignant: “Just constantly thinking about my day of release when I get that title around my waist again.” This unwavering focus, the visualization of achieving his ultimate goal, became the anchor that kept him grounded during his darkest days. In one of the old conversations, Tyson had also named his favorite knockout of all time.

When another legend served as a catalyst

Mike revealed a surprising twist on his “favorite” KO. In a past interview, amidst discussing his role as a coach, Tyson was thrown a curveball – a question that transported him back to his reign as ‘The Baddest Man on the Planet’. While fans expected him to pick a highlight reel knockout showcasing his raw power, Tyson surprised everyone.

Read More: Mike Tyson on Hardships of Believing in Yourself: “Everybody Else Say You Are a Piece of S**t”

His most cherished knockout wasn’t fueled by the thrill of victory but by a deep admiration for another boxing legend – Muhammad Ali. Tyson revealed, “What would you say your proudest knockout was throughout your career? Well, it was against Larry Holmes because he beat Muhammad Ali six years earlier. I was crying and said I’m going to avenge Ali.”

So, ‘Iron Mike’ has had a lot of great moments throughout life and his experiences have shaped him into the dynamic personality that he is today. Can you relate to Mike as well? Which is your favorite Mike Tyson fight? Do let us know in the comments section.

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