Tyson‘s fame has long transcended boxing

Mike Tyson reveals that a close friend's death changed him in an emotional interview

Mike Tyson is undoubtedly a controversial figure, personally and professionally, but his celebrity has long transcended the sport of boxing. Tyson has long been a fixture in headlines due to outrageous personal behavior (he was convicted of rape in 1992 and spent three years in prison) as well as cultivating a fearsome reputation in the ring (he bit off opponent Evander Holyfield‘s ear in a 1997 bout).

Tyson’s return to prevalence has come amid the buildup to his fight with Jake Paul in November, an event that will be broadcast on Netflix. It signals Iron Mike‘s return to the ring after 19 years away, and the 57-year-old has been in a reflective mood of late after a recent health scare as he continues to prepare for the fight.

Video thumbnail

Tyson reveals the extent of his friendship with Kobe Bryant

It has been over four years since the tragic death of NBA icon Kobe Bryant in a helicopter crash, an event that continues to prompt grief around the sports world. The much-loved Bryant was also one of Tyson’s best friends — and he revealed on his podcast just how deeply the Los Angeles Lakers legend’s death continues to affect him.

“I’m a different person now since that happened,” Tyson said on “Hotboxin’ With Mike Tyson.” “I don’t even know what happened, but I’m different, and I like to believe I have more gratitude. I’m more grateful for my existence and the air that I breathe and for my family.”

Tyson explained that the sudden loss of five-time NBA champion Bryant in his life made him realize how “precious” his existence is, and how important it is to be thankful for the people still in his life as he nears his 58th birthday.

“I get cocky sometimes and think I can get a lot of people, a lot of broads, and I just need to have more gratitude,” Tyson said. “I forget about gratitude sometimes. You forget how precious life is.”

Tyson’s recent ulcer flare-up also reinforced the idea of life being precious, and some experts believe Tyson is unnecessarily putting his health at risk by fighting Paul at AT&T Stadium on Nov. 15. Only time will tell if the experts are correct.