Mike Tyson Reveals the Martial Artists Who Influenced His Masculinity While Growing Up

The number one facet that great fighters have in their arsenal is their mentality. The heart comes first. Skill and technicality comes second. Mike Tyson is widely regarded as one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time, and for a good reason. 

His mentality of a conqueror placed him in a league apart from other fighters. When we refer to the aspect of mentality, it also includes a person’s dominance in their psyche. What this means in Tyson’s case is that his masculinity also played a massive role in how his mind was shaped. 

Appearing on ‘The Million Dollaz Worth of Game’ podcast with rapper Gillie Da King and Wallo267, Mike Tyson discussed various aspects of his career, mentality, and inspirations for his masculinity growing up. 

When asked about watching Martial arts movies growing up, Tyson stated, “Yeah, the Karate movies. I always loved Jim Kelly. Know why I loved Jim Kelly? Because in real life, he’s the way he is in the movie. He don’t talk sh*t. He don’t say sh*t, he never has a conversation, he keeps his mouth shut… Those guys, um, influenced me in my masculinity when I was a kid.” 

It appears it was none other than Jim Kelly, who influenced Mike Tyson’s masculinity while growing up.

Jim Kelly was one of the most known martial artists in the fight genres of movies. His most notable work was beside Bruce Lee in ‘Enter The Dragon.’ 

Read More: LeBron James Once Triggered Mike Tyson By Blocking His View For Floyd Mayweather vs Conor McGregor Fight

Khabib Nurmagomedov once met Mike Tyson in his house

The UFC former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov once met Mike Tyson in his house. The former boxing champ was present during ‘The Eagle’s fight against Edson Barboza at UFC 219. Nurmagomedov stated that it was a dream come true to see the legend in flesh and blood.

The Eagle also appeared on Tyson’s podcast, ‘Hotboxin with Mike Tyson,’ making it one of the most viewed videos on the champ’s channel. With invaluable knowledge from a man’s mind that has intrigued possibly over a billion people, fans are never tired of hearing the wisdom that now comes out of this man. 

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