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BOXING legend Mike Tyson has revealed how a “normal person” could take one of his punches if they had no fear of death..

Iron Mike was considered one of the most brutal and hardest hitters in the sport after being crowned the youngest world champion aged 20.

And while he enjoyed moments at the top of game, he also hit rock bottom when his reputation was tarnished after being charged with a rape conviction.

Tyson, 54, spent three years in jail before returning to the ring in 1995 where he reclaimed his WBC title belt from Frank Bruno.

He had 58 fights in total, winning 50 of those including 44 by knockout.

But in a candid interview with comedian and actor Kenan Thompson, Tyson revealed how anybody could take one of his punches if they were mentally prepared for it.

He said: “What is a normal person? It has nothing to do with being an athletic person, it’s about your morale. Fighting has a lot to do with morality too.

“It’s not about taking it, it’s the willingness to die, that’s what life is. When you stand up to it you no longer have to fear it.”

‘I’M NERVOUS NOW’

Tyson, formally one of the most feared men on the planet, also revealed how his biggest battle was trying to deal with his nerves before each fight.

He added: “I never thought I could handle being a fighter. It just was. I’ve never been able to handle it.

“You always get nervous. I’m nervous now. That’s just part of life. I believe from my experience that the feeling is a natural defence mechanism.

“You rise to the occasion or you freeze. You learn to deal with that.”

Tyson’s career took yet another twist in 1997 when he famously bit off the ear of rival Evander Holyfield.

And 15 years on from his last professional bout, the Baddest Man on the Planet stepped back inside the squared circle and fought Roy Jones Jr in an exhibition bout that ended in a draw.

MIKE TYSON insists he is the greatest boxer “since the conception of God”.

The American heavyweight’s blistering speed and power – plus wild lifestyle – could be seen as the work of the devil.

But the 54-year-old reckons his talent to destroy people in the ring is purely heaven-sent.

Tyson is coming out of retirement 15 years after his last fight to take on Roy Jones Jr in an exhibition bout on November 28.

Many have questioned whether it is right for two men with a combined age of 105 to fight.

And, alarmingly, in footage chronicling Tyson’s build up to the showdown, the former heavyweight king said: “If I fail, I’m going to die.”

That was part of a wider conversation in which The Baddest Man on the Planet said he had to be considered the best fighter ever.

Tyson said: “Anything I do, I put so much into it.

“If I fail, I’m going to die. How many people do that? That’s what I like to do.

“I go all out or nothing. I play for keeps.

“You know, I’m the greatest fighter since the conception of God.

“How could I not take this opportunity up?”

Floyd Mayweather might have something to say about Tyson’s boast though.

The retired 50-0 fighter, widely regarded as the best pound-for-pound of all time, left Tyson off his list of the five greatest boxers.

Even Muhammad Ali was not good enough for that one.

Mayweather, who says he could make £54million from an exhibition fight like Tyson’s, put himself top of the pile.

Pernell Whitaker came second, Roberto Duran third, Larry Holmes – who lost to Tyson – fourth and Aaron Pryor fifth.

ROY JONES JR has sparked a war of words with veteran rival Mike Tyson by branding him a “pitbull puppy.”

The pair of boxing legends, who have a combined age of 105, step inside the ring for an exhibition bout on September 12 in California.

Iron Mike hasn’t fought since 2005 while Jones Jr’s last scrap was just two years ago.

And Jones Jr needed little encouragement when asked how is he going to approach the fight against his unpredictable opponent.

Reported by Mundo Deportivo, the 51-year-old said: “I know how to have fun in the ring, trying to do my best, but at the same time I know Mike.

“Mike is like a pitbull puppy.

“He gets lost in his mind and the only thing he knows is’ I’m going for the fight’, that’s the only thing he knows, going for the fight.

“I have to be prepared for what Mike does. I want to box and have a fun time and put on a good show for people too.

“He’s not the type of person who’s going to go out and do that. All he knows is to go and try to take his head off.”

Tyson won 50 of his 58 career scraps with 44 of those coming as knockouts.

And after getting himself back into extraordinary shape, Tyson appears in no mood to go easy on his opponent.

Tyson revealed he has lost five stone to make his eagerly-anticipated comeback and is now training at 220 pounds, or 15.7st, putting him comfortably below the level Anthony Joshua last fought at.

He is in such good shape, that ex-trainer Jeff Fenech believes Tyson would still beat hard-hitting American Deontay Wilder today.

He told Sporting News: “Boxing’s not the same now. I’d guarantee that if Mike Tyson trained for six weeks, he’d knock Wilder out in a minute.

“He would hit them. If these guys are getting knocked out by Tyson Fury – who’s a great fighter, but not a huge puncher – Tyson would kill these guys.

“They’re not on the same level today.

“Mike today, I reckon if he trained he could still beat these guys.

In the fast-paced world of boxing, where every second counts, there are moments that transcend the sport and become etched in its rich history. One such electrifying moment occurred when Mike Tyson, the undisputed heavyweight champion, delivered an awe-inspiring 8-second knockout that sent shockwaves through the boxing world.

Mike Tyson’s meteoric rise to stardom had already captivated fans and pundits alike, but it was the ferocity and precision of his punches that truly set him apart. On that fateful night, spectators witnessed the sheer power and dominance of Iron Mike in a bout that would go down in history as one of the shortest and most devastating knockouts ever recorded.

The anticipation in the arena was palpable as Tyson entered the ring, an imposing figure with a reputation for swift and brutal victories. His opponent, standing across the ring, was well aware of the daunting task that lay ahead. Little did he know that the next eight seconds would be etched into his memory forever.

As the bell rang, Tyson unleashed a barrage of lightning-fast punches with unparalleled accuracy. The speed at which he moved left spectators in disbelief, as if witnessing a force of nature in action. In mere moments, the fight was over, and Tyson stood victorious, his opponent left sprawled on the canvas.

The aftermath of this lightning-quick knockout was felt far beyond the confines of the boxing ring. Media outlets around the world echoed with the sound of Tyson’s thunderous victory, and the boxing community was left in awe of the champion’s prowess. The 8-second knockout became a symbol of Tyson’s dominance, a testament to his unparalleled skill and ferocious style.

Opponents who stepped into the ring with Tyson after that moment were haunted by the specter of the 8-second knockout. The fear of facing a force so unstoppable lingered in the minds of challengers, creating a psychological advantage for Tyson before the bell even rang. The aura of invincibility surrounding Tyson reached new heights, and he continued to reign as the undisputed heavyweight champion.

While Tyson’s career had its share of ups and downs, the 8-second knockout remains a shining beacon in the annals of boxing history. It symbolizes not only the raw power of one of the greatest heavyweight champions but also the indelible mark he left on the sport. In the world of boxing, where legends are born with every bout, Mike Tyson’s lightning strikes continue to reverberate, a powerful reminder of the seismic impact he had on the sweet science.

During Patrick Bet-David’s interview with Mike Tyson, he revealed how his mentor, the legendary coach Cus D’Amato, shaped who he is today. The conversation took an unexpectedly emotional tone when an audience member asked him a question about Cus, and a teary-eyed Tyson answered, “You got me crying in this mother****er!”

Tyson’s raw, authentic words offer insight into the connection between Tyson and the man who was a father figure for him. What prompted Tyson to get emotional was when a fan presented Mike Tyson with a scenario where the late coach was brought back to life for a period of fifteen minutes. As soon as the fan asked his first question, Mike Tyson broke down.

Mike Tyson reminisces about his late mentor

The fan asked three questions. The first of which was – what was the single thing he wished he could have informed the late coach but never got an opportunity to. Tyson, while fighting back his tears, replied, “They call me the greatest.” Tyson’s emotional response to the first part signifies his relationship with D’Amato.

The fan’s second question explored the instance that Tyson wished D’Amato could have witnessed but passed away before witnessing it. “My first title yeah my first title fight,” declared Tyson. Iron Mike won his Heavyweight title in 1986, becoming the youngest heavyweight champion in history, just a year after his mentor had passed away. Emotions ran high as Tyson thought back on the profound impact D’Amato had on both his life and career, which may be why Tyson cried out, “ You N*****  got me crying in this motherf***er.”

“Was he the first person that believed in you the way that he did?” asked Bet-David. Tyson’s response was in the affirmative, stating, “The power of somebody believing in you – we all need a mentor.”

Mike Tyson’s early trainer and mentor, Cus D’Amato, played a pivotal role in shaping Tyson’s transformation into the formidable ‘Iron Mike’ and a dominant force in the boxing arena.

Young Mike finds a father figure in D’Amato

Former boxer Bobby Stewart discovered Tyson’s talent when the 13-year-old was in detention, introducing him to D’Amato. D’Amato, Tyson’s trainer and legal guardian until his passing in 1985, shared boxing expertise and fostered self-assurance. In a critical moment, D’Amato desired a physique for Tyson in line with heavyweight boxers Mike Weaver or Ken Norton, prompting Tyson to commit to cultivating his imposing presence despite emotional discomfort.

In response, Tyson assured D’Amato, “Don’t worry Cus… You watch. One day the whole world is going to be afraid of me. When they mention my name, they’ll sweat blood, Cus.” This became the defining moment, signifying Tyson’s complete adoption of the ‘Iron Mike’ persona and his dedication to embodying the savage identity envisioned by D’Amato that eventually led him to becoming world champion.

Evander Holyfield has given some insight to his relationship with Mike Tyson, insisting he has always regarded his two-time opponent as a friend.

Holyfield revealed he is often befuddled at the surprise expressed when he and ‘Iron Mike’ get along well in public and insists he let bygones be bygones a long time ago.

“Mike and I, we come together and everybody’s just so happy. Mike and I have always have been friends, I don’t know why boxing makes it out like you’ve got to be enemies.”

“I’ve never been his enemy, he’s always been good to me. Things happen, when I got in fights and they were bigger than me, if I couldn’t get them off me the first thing I’d do would be to bite somebody to get them off of me!”

“I didn’t get offended, it’s just a part of life – these things happen.”

‘The Real Deal’ and ‘Iron Mike’ were two key players in the 1990s heavyweight golden era and locked horns in 1996 and 1997, with the second fight ending as a result of the most notorious incidents in the history of the sport.

‘The Real Deal’ and ‘Iron Mike’ were two key players in the 1990s heavyweight golden era and locked horns in 1996 and 1997, with the second fight ending as a result of the most notorious incidents in the history of the sport.

Then in the third, a moment of madness befell Tyson that, for all the wrong reasons, would go down in the echelons of sporting history.

Aggrieved by Holyfield’s use of the head which had led to a cut on his right eye, Tyson sunk his teeth into the defending champion – twice.

With a chunk of Holyfield’s right ear somewhere on the ring canvas and blood pouring from the bewildered Alabama man, referee Mills Lane disqualified Tyson at the conclusion of the round.

A quarter of a century on, the pair are now business partners as well as good friends, launching their own brand cannabis edibles – which are in the shape of an ear.

In a surprising turn of events, legendary boxer Mike Tyson, at the age of 55, has set the sports world abuzz with his announcement of a fierce comeback. The former undisputed heavyweight champion has not stepped into the ring professionally since 2005, but his recent declaration has sparked excitement and curiosity among fans and fighters alike.

Tyson, known for his ferocious fighting style and unparalleled charisma, unveiled his plans for a comeback, promising a display of skill and determination that defies his age. Despite being in his mid-50s, Tyson appears to be in phenomenal shape, and his training videos circulating on social media have only added to the anticipation surrounding his return to the ring.

In a move that has added an extra layer of intrigue to his comeback, Tyson has issued a bold challenge to any fighter courageous enough to face him in the ring. The prize? A staggering $20 million, a sum that reflects the magnitude of the event and the confidence Tyson has in his abilities. This challenge has sent shockwaves through the boxing community, with many speculating on who might be willing to take on the living legend.

Mike Tyson’s impact on the world of boxing is undeniable. Rising to fame in the late 1980s, Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion in history at the age of 20. His aggressive style, knockout power, and undeniable charisma turned him into a global phenomenon. Despite facing personal and professional challenges over the years, Tyson remains one of the most iconic figures in the sport.

As news of Tyson’s comeback and $20 million challenge spread, speculation has been rife about potential opponents. Many wonder if a current boxing star or a rising talent will step up to the plate. The allure of facing a living legend and the substantial financial incentive make this challenge an enticing proposition for any fighter seeking recognition and a significant payday.

Mike Tyson’s return to the ring at the age of 55 is a testament to his enduring love for the sport and his unyielding spirit. The $20 million challenge adds an exciting dimension to his comeback, creating a buzz that transcends generations of boxing enthusiasts. As the boxing world eagerly awaits the revelation of Tyson’s opponent, one thing is certain: this comeback promises to be a historic and unforgettable moment in the annals of boxing history.

Mike Tyson reportedly offered a zookeeper £9,000 to let him fight a huge silverback gorilla during a romantic night out with his ex.

The boxing legend became the youngest heavyweight champion aged 20 back in 1986.

And “The Baddest Man on the Planet” clearly fancied his chances of going toe-to-toe with anyone… or ANYTHING!

Tyson, 53, revealed his stunning offer came after he bribed a worker to open the zoo back in the late 80s so he and then wife Robin Givens could enjoy a private and romantic stroll among the animals.

But he suddenly got an idea as they approached the ape enclosure and spotted a dominant alpha male bullying the rest of the submissive group.

He attempted to offer the cash to the zookeeper to open the cage so he could go in there and punch the gorilla.

Tyson explained: “I paid a worker at New York’s zoo to re-open it just for me and Robin.

“When we got to the gorilla cage there was one big silverback gorilla there just bullying all the other gorillas.

“They were so powerful but their eyes were like an innocent infant.

“I offered the attendant $10,000 to open the cage and let me smash that silverback’s snotbox! He declined.”

Despite this epic tale, the American has always been an animal lover.

Tyson famously likes his pigeons and is well-known for keeping a number of exotic tigers as pets – which he recently revealed he regretted.

Away from the ring “Iron Mike” continues to revel in the marijuana industry and was even photographed smoking a foot-long joint in February.

The former heavyweight world champ is the proud owner of a huge 40-acre ranch in California after breaking into the business two years ago.

The ex-boxer has long been an advocate of the Class B drug, and he took delight in passing the gigantic spliff at an event held by BREALTV recently.

Tyson – who claimed he was stoned when he fought against Andrew Golota in 2000 in a brutal comeback win – is taking advantage of California’s legalisation of recreational use of marijuana.

His ranch has 20 acres set aside for the growing of the plant, while he also has his own school to teach farmers how to grow and develop their strains – called the ‘Tyson Cultivation School.’

MIKE Tyson has KO’d his daughter’s future boyfriends by saying: “Whatever you do to my girl I’ll do to you.”

The former world heavyweight champ issued a chilling threat to any lads who take a fancy to his daughter Rayna, 19.

In a bonkers radio rant, Tyson, 49, said: “Listen, whatever he does to her I’m going to do to him. It is what it is.

“You want a pecker or a tongue down your throat – what is it you want?”

Tyson, who lives in party capital Las Vegas, has eight children.

He won his first world heavyweight crown aged just 20 but he would not want his daughters dating a boxer.

Tyson, who bit a chunk out of Evander Holyfield’s ear in a 1997 world title fight, said: “Look how men think. We could f*** anybody’s daughter, sister, wife, mother and go to sleep with not an inch of conscience.

“We are just animals taught to be human beings, some of us evolve faster than others.

“With a guy you only have to worry about one d***, with a girl you have to worry about a lot of d***s.”

He also talked about his sex life with third wife Lakhia Spicer, revealing: “Somebody has got to f*** her.”

The menacing former fighter also conceded he is a very protective dad.

MIKE TYSON broke down in tears as he described watching Muhammad Ali lose to Larry Holmes with his mentor Cus D’Amato.

Tyson was just 15 when he witnessed his inspiration Ali get brutally dominated by Holmes in 1980..

That night D’Amato, who trained and adopted the heavyweight legend, turned to Iron Mike and asked whether he was ready to avenge the heartbreaking defeat for his hero.

Tyson recalled the occasion during a chat with American YouTube star and public speaker Tony Robbins, and begins to sob as he opens up.

He said: “I’m 15 now, I had a couple of championships and we are watching Ali fight Larry Holmes.

“It was really bad, excuse me about crying. It was really bad.

“So Cus says… ah, man I can’t believe I’m doing this, ‘Are you ready to face and dethrone this man after he beat up Ali?’

“He taught me to become the greatest fighter in the world.”

D’Amato adopted Tyson when he was 16 years old following the death of his mother Lorna.

The veteran trainer was a pivotal part of the boxer’s early career but tragically died when Tyson was 19.

A year later he would become the youngest heavyweight champion of all time, but credits every ounce of success to D’Amato.

An overwhelmed Tyson told Robbins: “I just don’t know where it came from, how I meet this old man and he made me this fighter. I still don’t understand that to this day.

“My psychiatrist, my therapist, he was my everything.”

Tyson kept his promise to D’Amato and in 1988 knocked out Holmes in four rounds.

Before the fight, Ali spoke with the champion in the ring – and urged him to exact redemption for him.

Tyson revealed: “(Ali said) Get him for me – I got him!”