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Mike Tyson’s Struggles With Fame Involved Violence, Financial Loss, and Multiple Lawsuits

Published May 2, 2024 | 10:29 AM EDT

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At the young age of twenty, Mike Tyson shocked the boxing community by becoming the youngest world champion in the sport! Likewise, the ‘Baddest Man on the Planet’ earned himself envious fame by an excellent display of passion and ferocity inside the boxing ring. However, ‘Kid Dynamite’ initially struggled with the attention he received.

In his latest interaction with Nick Kyrgios, Tyson revealed how he lost control over himself and behaved violently in public, ultimately facing multiple lawsuits and losing his hard-earned money. Eventually, the 57-year-old, who will return to face Jake Paul in a sanctioned pro fight on July 20, also mentioned how self-love helped him gain control over life.

Inconsiderate fans led Mike Tyson to behave violently

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After his debut in 1985, following 28 breathtaking wins, Mike Tyson became the WBC Heavyweight champion of the world with a bright future in store. While Tyson ruled the ring, the boxing world was absolutely smitten by the young fighter’s skills and personality. Undoubtedly, Tyson became one of the most discussed topics in boxing and his fans would give anything to meet ‘Kid Dynamite’ in person. But, after receiving unparalleled fame at such a young age, Tyson struggled because of inconsiderate fans.

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In the latest episode of Good Trouble, as host Nick Kyrgios asked Tyson how the latter handled his fame, ‘Kid Dynamite’ said, “At the beginning, not too well.” “At first, you want the fame of being a champion, but you have no control then,” continued Tyson. In this context, he explained running into trouble when several fans bothered ‘Iron’ for photos without showing concern for his state of mind. One incident which comes to mind is Tyson knocking out a paparazzi at Los Angeles International Airport after being disturbed for photos in 2009.

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I might not be in the mood. So, I used to be violent about it. And then I started getting quite a few lawsuits, and I stopped,” he told Nick. By and by, the 57-year-old bemoaned financial losses caused by several lawsuits. “I constantly blew my money away from being sued and going to courts. And just associating with the wrong people, making bad business decisions,” he added. Anyway, things improved for Tyson after the boxer learnt the value of love in life.

For ‘Iron’ love is buying someone a mansion!

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On being asked what led Tyson to associate with the wrong people, having pondered for a few seconds, Tyson held “self-hate” accountable. “What got me into that stuff was self-hate, not loving myself and taking care of myself,” said Mike Tyson, reiterating the views he had shared with his therapist, Seano. However, over time, as the boxer gained wisdom, he realized he could counter “self-hate” with “self-love” for a change.

On that note, defining love through the lens he has watched the world, Tyson said, “Love is not buying myself a new mansion [or] a new car, love is buying somebody else a new mansion. It’s pretty interesting that I found that out late in life.” At this, Nick asked ‘Iron’ when the boxer attained the priceless realization. “Not too long, a year or two ago. The more money I get, I realize the less I need,” Mike Tyson concluded.

Written by:

Samrat Sardar

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Samrat Sardar is a senior boxing writer at EssentiallySports. With 1600+ articles in 2 years, he is just getting started as his coverage of Mike Tyson has already received widespread recognition. However, his interest lies in stories of any shred of injustice or corruption happening in the world of boxing.
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Edited by:

Garima Yadav