Mike Tyson Opens Up About Career, New Boxing Promotion
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Mike Tyson is without question one of the most famous boxers in the world.
It's not every day someone as famous as him drops by our studio, but it happened today.
He was here to talk about his life, career and a new boxing promotion he's bringing to the city.
At 20-years-old, Tyson was the youngest man to ever become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.
Tyson was one of the meanest, toughest boxers garnering a 22-0 record with 21 knockouts to start his career. Those days in the ring are a distant memory.
Today, the 47-year-old Tyson has changed.
"I can't imagine I was that guy looking mean and going crazy. Oh God, I can't imagine my kids seeing me doing that now," Tyson said.
Ten years after retiring, Tyson is now a promoter. His company, Iron Mike Productions, is in Pittsburgh to promote a boxing event on Friday.
The fights at the Monroeville Convention Center will be broadcast nationally on Showtime and will feature western Pennsylvania natives, Rod Salka and Sammy Vasquez.
"It's not about me. My name is out front, but it all depends on the kids' performance. I can't fight for them. Thankfully, for those guys I can't fight for them. I would be disastrous," Tyson said.
That's all not Tyson is doing these days.
He even had a one man show on Broadway that later became an HBO special. He's working on projects with his third wife and has made several movie appearances including" The Hangover."
"Well I don't know I'm capable of doing anything if you pay me," Tyson jokingly said.
Tyson admits he's grown after living a tumultuous life. He was convicted of rape and spent three years in prison, filed for bankruptcy after having a net worth of over $300 million.
He still attends AA meetings from a long bout with drugs and alcohol.
"It attacks the richest and most powerful people in the world. It attacks the most humble people in the world, so it has nothing to do with what status you are it has to do with the sickness of your soul," Tyson said.
Like boxing, those days are in the past. He's a kinder, gentler and more spiritual Tyson now.
"I work on trying to be humble and just the fact I'm using the word 'humble' indicates I'm not humble. That's the role in life I'm embarking on," Tyson said.
For tickets to Friday's event, click here.
Watch Mike Tyson talk more about the "Pittsburgh Power" boxing event on Pittsburgh Today Live:
Mike Tyson joined "The Fan Morning Show" in-studio on Wednesday to talk about his life and career and to promote an upcoming event in the Pittsburgh area.
Tyson joined the show on behalf of Iron Mike Productions, which will present a hard-hitting triple-header on Friday, April 18 at the Monroeville Convention Center.
Undefeated Alexei "The Hurricane" Collado faces "Lightning" Rod Slaka, plus see unbeaten southpaws Felix Diaz and local Sammy Vasquez in action!
The interview can be heard here:
Mike Tyson 4-16 Part 1
Mike Tyson 4-16 Part 2
Tyson and Vasquez also joined the KDKA Morning News with Larry Richert and John Shumway to talk about the event that will be on Showtime this Friday.
Tyson was surprised when a childhood hero of his, professional wresting's "Living Legend" and Pittsburgher Bruno Sammartino called in to say hello.
Tyson says he watched all of Sammartino's matches throughout his career.
"I saw him on TV and Mike looks like he's ready to make a comeback," Sammartino said.
Tyson responded by saying "Never, leave that fighting for the young guys [like Vasquez]."
You can listen to the entire interview here.
Mike Tyson Gets Surprise Call From Bruno Sammartino
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