Author: quyen1

During Mike Tyson’s prime years, roughly spanning from 1987 to 1990, he was a force that simply could not be stopped. His awe-inspiring performances in the ring left spectators and fellow fighters in awe. Moreover, UFC commentator Joe Rogan once expressed his admiration for ‘Iron’ Mike’s prime dominance and how he changed boxing forever.

Joe Rogan’s take on Mike Tyson’s prime dominance

In an old episode of his JRE podcast, the former Fear Factor host emphasized the sheer dominance and uniqueness of Tyson’s prime. According to Rogan, Tyson was not just another boxer but a special breed of fighter.

His explosive power and relentless aggression set him apart from anyone who had stepped foot in the heavyweight division before. Rogan described Tyson as a juggernaut, an unstoppable force that struck fear into the hearts of his opponents.

“Mike Tyson in his prime, in those years from around 87, 88, 89, 90 whatever those years were, where he was just storming the gates. I put that Mike Tyson up against anybody who ever lived. That guy was a special fighter. He was a juggernaut. You couldn’t stop him. He was a different guy. It’s like a different model of fighter we have seen in the heavyweight division. A f***ing destroyer, man. Every fight was an execution. I mean, just ferocious, destructive, accurate. Everything was perfect,” said Rogan.

While reflecting on Tyson’s prime, Rogan brought to light the exceptional qualities that made him a legendary figure in the boxing world. Additionally, while ‘Iron’ Mike’s career drastically deteriorated in the 1990s and 2000s due to many off-court issues, Rogan thinks that fighters like Tyson are not defined by their whole careers but rather by moments when they are considered to be levels above the competition. The podcast host, in another episode, mentioned the names of an MMA veteran and Mike Tyson to talk about a fighter’s prime years.

Joe Rogan once commented on BJ Penn and Mike Tyson’s heydays

In another episode, Rogan highlighted UFC legend BJ Penn’s impressive achievements, including being the first non-Brazilian to win the world Jiu-Jitsu Championship at the black belt level. He also emphasized the importance of evaluating fighters in their prime, likening Penn’s dominance during his peak to the unmatched talent exhibited by Mike Tyson. Rogan urged viewers to appreciate the greatness of fighters when they are at their best, rather than judging them during the later stages of their careers when their skills may have deteriorated.

“BJ was the motherf***er when he was in his prime. You gotta look at a guy in their prime. Mike Tyson in his prime. You gotta look at them in their prime. You can’t look at them when they’re deteriorating and say ‘Ah overall they didn’t.’ Overall, you are correct, but if you want to look at their greatest expression,” he said.

Rogan’s remarks on BJ Penn and Mike Tyson’s heydays serve as a reminder to appreciate athletes in their prime. Rogan’s emphasis on evaluating athletes at their best showcases the importance of recognizing their exceptional skills and accomplishments during their prime years. It is through these moments that fighters like Penn and Tyson truly shine, leaving an indelible impact on their respective sports.

Mike Tyson‘s childhood was full of hardships, and he was raised by his mother and more importantly the mean streets of Brownsville, New York. From a very early age, he got himself embroiled in street fights and petty theft. Before he turned 14, he had been arrested 38 times, all before his encounter with his lifelong mentor, Cus D’Amato. But he endured all of it and went on to become the most fearful heavyweight boxer in the 80s and 90s.

And rising from such a tough environment, Tyson has agreed that he wouldn’t be in this position if he had never met people like Bobby Stewart and Cus D’Amato. A lot of times, he even reminisces about his time with D’Amato. But simultaneously, the ‘Dynamite Kid’ also puts conscious efforts into never forgetting his roots, and he has shed light on this in his recent interview for a magazine column.

Mike Tyson talks about his old friends

After, talking about Tyson’s career, the Cigar & Spirits Magazine interviewers asked him whether he could’ve imagined during his childhood that he’d become the heavyweight champion. Tyson replied, “I know that I’m in a position to help people now.” Then the interviewer expanded on that statement and tried to confirm from ‘Kid Dynamite’ that he wants to give back to people as much as he can.

So, Tyson stated that people don’t like that he is associated with “crime-infested” guys from his neighborhood. After the interviewer prodded him for the reasons he is still associated with such people, he continued, “I said, ‘This guy lives in the same building that I live in. His mother and my mother smoked cigarettes. They exchanged cigarettes together.’” He added that this is the reason he tries to stay connected.

The world of boxing will always consider Mike Tyson as one of the greats, and the title is a fitting one. The legend rose from nothing to secure a reputation that is purely built on his boxing career. While today, many fighters have expanded their sources of income into various streams like content creation, endorsements, and businesses, ‘Iron Mike’ worked in his prime and earned a whopping $400 million fortune through his sport. However, Tyson’s story is about resilience, courage, and a lot of hard work.

Once the richest man in sports, Tyson got a great deal on his fights. As he dominated the boxing world in his prime, his bank balance kept getting thicker. Thanks to his promoter Don King, Tyson always had lucrative deals in his purse. However, the fighter would later go on to sue Don for underpaying him. In 2003, the fighter who spent his youth in mansions of luxury and wealth filed for bankruptcy. Probably the lowest of his career, this still did not deter him. The resilient Tyson now believes all the lows he’s faced have given him a sense of perspective.

Mike Tyson speaks out about his bankruptcy

In a candid interview with Randy Mastronicola for Cigar & Spirits, Mike Tyson revealed that the highs and lows in his life have never disappointed him, but rather have granted him a perspective of himself. Randy asked the ex-Heavyweight champion his thoughts on why he was given a life of such turbulence. Tyson replied, “I know my journey was all divinely written to lead me here to this path, to this moment of inner peace and self-knowing. That is priceless.” Adding about the time he filed for bankruptcy, he said, “Many think it was low when I lost my money, but they don’t know I was miserable most of the time when I had money. People think money equates to happiness, but those people never really had money.”

Further, Mike spoke about how has learned humanity and gratitude through every bit of his ups and downs. Calling the current state of his life a space of inner peace and self-knowing, the legend said he does not view his bad times in a negative sense. Well, such a point-of-view can only be taken by someone who has seen it all and is aware of the journey they have led.

It is very well known that Mike Tyson has been struggling with sciatica. It’s a condition that affects the nerves leading to excruciating pain in the lower back and leg. Previously, he was also seen in a wheelchair at the Miami Airport after which he revealed that he was suffering from the condition. Recently, a video of Mike Tyson trying a trick on skateboarding and failing resurfaced. The YouTube video is from the episode where Tony Hawk appeared on Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson as a guest.

In the video, the boxing legend tried to perform a stunt on a skateboard. However, due to his lack of skills, he lost his balance and fell backward. Luckily there was a sofa at the back and he was able to trip upon it. He looked quite afraid as he quickly told his wife, “I’m okay baby, nothing happened”. Although at the time it appeared that nothing went wrong, Tyson recently revealed that it had worsened his back injuries. He stated that since then his back has never been the same.

‘Iron Mike’ doesn’t regret his stunt and also revealed the reason for performing it. He stated, “I don’t know. Well, you gotta show off to everybody that you’re the flyest ni**a.” The resurfaced clip once again brought the accident to fans’ notice as they shared their responses to the video.

Fans’ can’t contain themselves on witnessing the accident that landed Mike Tyson in a hospital

It appears that fans were unaware of the accident and its consequences which left Tyson in pain afterward. They lightheartedly joked about the video in the comments. One such fan, woowee4452 made a funny observation about Tyson’s reaction. He joked that “Tyson thought his wife was going to kick his a**”.

Another fan, madmonky also found the situation hilarious. He remarked that if it were Tyson from 25 years ago, he “killed everyman in the room for his embarrassment lol”. Meanwhile, thereapershow1075 also wrote a playful remark. He joked that “So even the mighty ‘Baddest Man On the Planet’ is scared of his wife lol. I could see the fear in his eyes, like a child. Man but what a wholesome moment.”

However, TheBarnz91 appeared to be surprised at the fact that the set was fake. He wrote, “I knew that wall wasn’t real bricks!!”. Another fan, TheBnicholas1606 said that “Eating a quarter of shrooms before the interview probably doesn’t help”.

Also, codgod1156 pointed out, “Mike was looking at them like food for laughing”.

Former boxing champion Willie Limond has died at the age of 45 after being initially found unresponsive in his car following a seizure.

Earlier this month, Limond was discovered in his vehicle just hours before he set to partake in a public training session in Glasgow ahead of his planned bout with Joe Laws on May 3.

But in the early hours of this Monday morning it was confirmed that he had passed away.

Taking to social media, his son Jake – who is also a professional boxer and currently unbeaten with a 6-0-0 record – wrote as an Instagram story: ‘My dad passed away in the early hours of the morning around 3am.

‘He fought on for near enough 10 days. Warrior.’

Former Scottish boxing champion Willie Limond has died aged 45 after suffering a seizure

Limond’s son Jake (right) confirmed his father’s passing on Monday with a heartfelt post

Jake is one of three children to Limond – alongside his brother Drew and sister Macy

Limond Snr won 42 of his 48 professional fights from 1999 to 2023 – including 13 by knockout – although only three bouts took place after 2016.

The Glaswegian was originally a footballer, playing five times for Albion Rovers in the late 1990s.

He held the British super-featherweight, super-lightweight and lightweight titles as well as the Commonwealth light-welterweight, WBU lightweight and IBO Inter-Continental lightweight titles during his boxing career.

Four of Limond’s six defeats were against fighters who won world titles – Amir Khan, Anthony Crolla, Erik Morales and Ricky Burns.

He last fought in September, losing by TKO to fellow Scotsman Ricky Burns in the eighth round, with the referee stopping the fight at the end of the round because of excessive blood from his nose.

Limond announced his retirement from the sport afterwards but made a U-turn to take on Laws.

Limond celebrates defending his Commonwealth lightweight world title with his sons in 2013

He won 42 of his 48 professional bouts – with four defeats against fighters who would go on to become world champions (pictured in 2007 after losing his Commonwealth belt to Amir Khan)

The Scot was due to fight again on May 3 – this time against Joe Laws (left) in Glasgow

Paying his respects to Limond, his proposed opponent said: ‘I am devastated, listen my old son wait for me at the pearly gates and we can get it on.

‘Can all my support and followers just skip tha morning coffee and chuck in couple quid give this boxing legend the send off he deserves.’

Crolla, who beat Limond in November 2011, posted on Instagram: ‘Not just in boxing but in life, he was one of the very best men I’ve ever knew. Pleasure to do your corner, share the ring with but u most of all have u as friend. So many great times with u over the years.

‘My heart breaks for the boys who was his best friends, his little girl and his amazing family. Sleep well my friend.’

Curtis Woodhouse, who was beaten in a British title fight by Limond in 2014, paid tribute to the fighter on X, formerly known as Twitter.

‘Absolutely devastated to hear the news of the passing of Willie Limond, a great fighter and a great man. We stayed in touch after our fight and always had a laugh together. Absolutely gutted. Rest In Peace champ,’ the Englishman wrote.

A statement from the Scot’s boxing club, the St Andrew’s Sporting Club, read: ‘Everyone at St Andrew’s Sporting Club are shocked and deeply saddened at the loss of our friend, Willie Limond.

‘Willie was not only a legend of the sport, but an infectious character who will be greatly missed by us all.

‘Our thoughts and prayers are with Jake, Drew, Macy and the rest of the Limond family at this time.’

Mike Tyson, a name synonymous with boxing greatness, has not only left an indelible mark on the sport but also on the trajectory of his own life. He has seen all the highs and lows throughout his career. From being the youngest Heavyweight champion to going bankrupt, Tyson has experienced it all. Not only that, he has also witnessed the deaths of his loved ones, including his own beloved young daughter. In his book, Undisputed Truth, Tyson even shared how he was divided between his crime-ridden life and his goals for boxing. Recently, Ben Shapiro, American columnist, reacted to a video of Mike Tyson sharing his wisdom during his guest appearance on “The Pivot Podcast.”

The interview included Mike Tomlin, and former NFL stars like Ryan Clark, Channing Crowder, and Fred Taylor. In the clip, Tyson mentioned how his three years in prison were the “best three years of my life.” This was a response to Clark’s comment on him looking better coming out of the prison than when going in.

 

 

Kid Dynamite’ shocked them as he shared that having peace is better than earning a lot of money. He pointed out that if you don’t have “peace and stability and balance” then everything else, “doesn’t mean nothing”. Furthermore, he stated, “You need your sanity to dictate any part of your life. I always tell people, ‘God punish you by giving you everything you want to see if you can handle it.’” It appears that Shapiro agrees with the former champion’s statement. Shapiro agreed and stated, “That’s true for so many celebrities, if you don’t have a rock solid, grounded life before you get wealthy, it ain’t gonna more grounded after you get wealthy.”

 

 

Mike Tyson drops Pearls of Wisdom

Fans were left impressed at the profound insights on life that transcended mere materialistic pursuits. They appeared elated at the wisdom shared by the Brooklyn native. One such fan, dondevore3588 wrote, “It’s fun to see the “rock stars” of my childhood get older. Mike, is now the guy Mike needed in his early career.”

Another fan, GAB-vq7re praised Tyson’s wisdom and wrote, “Mike Tyson the sage warrior we all need right now”

While serving time behind bars, the heavyweight champion admitted he finally found inner peace.

Mike Tyson has been through a lot of highs and lows throughout his life.

And while many would consider a prison sentence one of the very lows, the legendary boxer has revealed his time spent behind bars were the best years of his life.

While appearing on The Pivot Podcast, the former boxer explained that while serving time, he finally found inner peace amidst his crazy life.

He said: “I’m just very grateful – I’m a cool guy, I’m a good person, I treated everybody nice. I had the best three years of my life in prison.”

When asked if he missed his flashy lifestyle, the heavyweight champion replied: “I had peace though.

“That don’t mean nothing when you don’t have peace. Just sit there within your balance. You need your sanity to dictate any part of life.”

Tyson was sentenced to six years in Plainfield Correctional Facility and four years probation after being convicted of raping Desiree Washington in 1992.

He was released in 1995 as his sentence was reduced to three years.

Tyson revealed that despite being locked up, he kept up a disciplined workout routine to prepare for when he’d ultimately return to the ring.

He said that he would run ‘eight or nine miles’ in his cell, and he’d continuously jump up and down at night.

He added: “My cell has a concrete floor, right? I indented it with my feet into the concrete floor. I was 285 lbs (129 kg). I came out 215 lbs (97 kg).”

However, it wasn’t exactly all smooth sailing for the 56-year-old, as he revealed he had extended his sentence by a year for attacking a guard.

On the Hotboxin’ podcast, he said: “I got an extra year. When I first came there, I was mad at everybody, I didn’t know they all wanted to show me love, so I’m fighting the guards and stuff but then the guards were telling me how to move.

“So, now I’m the man, I am getting food, got women, I am the man in prison.”

He continued: “But then the guard that was working for me goes like, ‘Listen champ, remember when you first came here?’.

“You had those problems, we had to give you a year. I said ‘oh f**kng s**t how could they do this s**t?’ I gave them my money and they gave me another year?’

“So I had to go on programmes that I could never pass, spelling and stuff.”

However, Tyson’s career didn’t suffer, as he went on to win four fights and even reclaimed the heavyweight championship after he was released.

But in 2005, ‘Iron Mike’ finally retired.

He told The Guardian at the time: “I’d liked to have continued, but I saw that I was getting beat on.

“I just don’t have this in my heart anymore. I’m not going to disrespect the sport by losing to this calibre of fighter. This is my ending.”

Usyk and Fury may face in the ring in the near future, but the Ukrainian and his fellow world champion share a love for a Man Utd legend.

Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury may have more in common than just their boxing world heavyweight titles, after the Ukrainian named his favourite football players.

After years of hoping that the title unification fight between Fury and Anthony Joshua would get agreed, only to see it fail over and over again, fight fans have moved on.

Now everyone wants to see the undefeated Gypsy King in the unification fight with Usyk, who beat AJ twice last year to become world champion.

Back in September, Fury called his would be opponent a “little b***h, p***y boy,” after the Ukrainian, who has literally been on the frontline during his country’s war with Russia, said he wouldn’t be able to fight in December due to injuries.

With the WBA, IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine champion unable to fight at the end of last year, Fury instead fought Dereck Chisora for the third time, because that’s the fight everyone wanted to see.

At the end of last year the fight was reportedly close to be being agreed but, in typical fashion in men’s boxing these days, we’ve heard nothing about it since.

Whilst their rivalry gets more heated, the two men seem to have little other than their boxing in common, but that’s not completely true.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, the 35-year-old revealed that Wayne Rooney is amongst his favourite footballers, although not number one.

“My favourite Ukrainian is Andriy Shevchenko,” Usyk understandably said of the former AC Milan striker.

“When I was a boy I adored Gabriel Batistuta. Among English players I admired Wayne Rooney. My final answer – Batistuta.”

Serie A icon Batistuta is Usyk’s favourite ever footballer. Image: Alamy

There is simply no doubting Usyk’s excellent taste in strikers, having named Shevchenko and Rooney behind Batistuta as his favourites.

The former Argentina forward was an icon in the 90s and early 00s in Serie A, playing for Fiorentina, Roma and Inter Milan, in a time when Italian football was the leader in Europe.

Batistuta helped fire Roma to only their third league title in the 2000/01 season, and they’ve not won the league in the 22 years since.

He famously fired home a bullet of a goal against United in the Champions League at Old Trafford, in March 2000, although Sir Alex Ferguson’s side went on to win.

Fury is well known to support United and Rooney has been just as public with his support for the Manchester born undefeated heavyweight.

In fact, the 34-year-old has revealed that he’s going to be bringing the DC United manager in to help him spar ahead of the eventual fight with Usyk.

Perhaps England’s all time top goalscorer will feel more sympathy with the Ukrainian and will hit back a little harder, now he knows he’s got more than one fan who’s a heavyweight champion.

“It sucks he parted ways, but I hope that him and Tyson Fury fight for a lot of f**king money.”

Rumours about Francis Ngannou’s next career path have already begun swirling following his departure from the UFC.

Given the fact that Ngannou was arguably one of the hardest hitters in MMA history, it seems only logical that he makes the transition into boxing.

But instead of easing his way into the sport, some fans are already calling for him to fight the very best in the business in undefeated heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury.

Not just your average Joe fight fan is saying this, though, even some of the UFC’s top stars are hoping it’ll happen too.

“I think it’s a damn shame to see Francis go,” Sean Strickland told reporters following his win over Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Fight Night 217.

Francis Ngannou. Image: PA Images

“He’s iconic in the UFC. He’s probably one of the greatest heavyweights we’ve ever had.

“It sucks he parted ways, but I hope that him and Tyson Fury fight for a lot of f**king money. That’s a fight we deserve. Again, it sucks he left. I’d love to see him fight in the UFC.

“If the ‘Gypsy King’ sacks up and takes that fight against Francis, I mean, that’s ‘go f**k yourself’ money. That’s ‘I can go pee in a golden toilet seat. I can do whatever the f**k I want.’ It sucks he leaves, but if he can get that big money with Tyson, hat’s off to you Francis. Enjoy your ‘go f**k yourself money.’”

Tyson Fury. Image: Alamy

If the calls are heard and a promoter somehow manages to get both Ngannou and Fury to sign on the dotted line, then it’ll come as a shock to most people – particularly Dana White.

When discussing severing ties with Ngannou, the UFC president seemed adamant that the Cameroonian rejected a new deal so he could ‘fight lesser opponents and make more money’.

“We offered Francis a deal that would’ve made him the highest paid heavyweight in the history of the company – more than (Brock) Lesnar, more than anybody – and he turned the deal down,” White told reporters at the UFC Fight Night 217 post-fight news conference.

“We get to this point, and I’ve told you guys this before, if you don’t want to be here, you don’t have to be here. I think Francis is in a place right now where he doesn’t want to take a lot of risks. He feels he’s in a good position where he can fight lesser opponents and make more money.

“So we’re going to let him do that. We’re going to release him for his contract. We’re going to give up our right to match, and he can go and do whatever he wants. That’s where we’re at.”

The Gypsy King has suggested some interesting stipulations to the potential dream fight.

Ever since it was announced that Francis Ngannou was leaving the UFC there has been one name that has always been in the mix for potential dream fights – Tyson Fury.

With the former UFC heavyweight champion now free to go slog it out with some of the best ‘big men’ in combat sports, fans have been clamouring for a bout with the Englishman.

Dana White revealed the company and their champion couldn’t agree to a new deal and as such Ngannou was a free agent.

The Cameroon fighter revealed on The MMA Hour that he’d be keen to aim for July date for his return to combat sports.

Francis Ngannou was and still is the baddest man on the planet and you can’t tell me otherwise 💯

3:42 AM · Jan 16, 2023

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He said: “Hopefully somewhere, the latest is July [for when I’d return], I’d say so.

“Hopefully, at least twice this year. My gut says boxing, a pro boxing [bout]. I don’t know where, I’m going to find out. I’m working on it right now.”

Ngannou said he was looking at big-money fights with the likes of Anthony Joshua or the Gypsy King himself.

And it seems the current WBC Heavyweight Champion is more than happy to oblige.

Fury recently spoke to Radio Rahim where he put out the challenge, with a few interesting stipulations.

He said, via MMA Fighting: “Francis Ngannou, I know you’re out of contract with the UFC.

“You want to earn some big boy money? Come see ‘The Gypsy King’ and let’s do a big, big fight for the baddest MF on the planet.”

But Fury wasn’t just after any regular boxing bout.

He added: “Let’s kick it up spicy, in a cage, four-ounce gloves under Queensbury [rules] and let’s have a badass referee like ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson. Did I just sell that to the world?”

Ariel Helwani

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Tyson Fury appears to be interested in Francis Ngannou again

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3:44 AM · Jan 22, 2023

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Iron Mike officiating these two behemoths going at it – inject it into our veins.

The undefeated boxer went on to say that if the contract couldn’t get sorted with Oleksandr Usyk he’ll be turning his attention to the MMA star.

He said: “If the contract doesn’t get signed with Usyk next for the fight of the century in boxing then we’ll do the Ngannou fight.”

“Whether it’s going to be in Las Vegas or Wembley, who will know — we will know quite soon I think.

“Because if these fellas don’t start coming up and signing the contract for the fight of the century then we’re moving on to greener pastures.”

The two men have been teasing a clash since 2021 when Ngannou entered the ring following Fury’s knockout win over Dillian Whyte last April.