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ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 22: Mike Tyson is seen in attendance during the UFC 270 event at Honda Center on January 22, 2022 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
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ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 22: Mike Tyson is seen in attendance during the UFC 270 event at Honda Center on January 22, 2022 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
The Coronavirus pandemic was a massive blow to multiple small-scale businesses. Fortunately, the sporting world has lent a hand of support to these businesses to rebuild themselves. Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy recently told Mike Tyson how he raised USD 40 million for small businesses.
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Portnoy was speaking at the ‘Hotboxin with Mike Tyson’ podcast hosted by Tyson. Moreover, Sebastian Joseph Day was also present as the co-host for the episode. In conversation, Day asked him, “Let’s talk about what you’ve been doing in the community. I know you had this awesome fund giving back to local businesses.”
In response, Portnoy spoke about introducing a fund that helps small businesses. He said, “So during Covid, we started the Barstool fund. Which essentially it was. We’re trying to find companies that need help. You know their bills, pay their staff whatever it may be, because you couldn’t have customers. So it was for small businesses, whether it was bars, restaurants, laundromats, you name it.”
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HOLLYWOOD, CA – MARCH 08: Mike Tyson arrives at the opening Night Of “Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth” At The Pantages Theatre at the Pantages Theatre on March 8, 2013 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
In fact, Portnoy revealed they were able to raise an impressive USD 40 million to help the community. Additionally, he also mentioned that Barstool CEO Erica Nardini gave money to many female-led businesses. He added he received massive support from the community for the endeavor.
Mike Tyson gives back to his community
Mike Tyson is not an individual who will forget his roots. He did not have the best surroundings while growing up. Moreover, the champ also faced abject poverty as a child. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that he would do his best to give back to his community.
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TORONTO, ON – SEPTEMBER 07: Retired boxing champion Mike Tyson and wife, Kiki Tyson attend the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival ‘AMBI Gala’ at Ritz Carlton on September 7, 2016 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by George Pimentel/Getty Images)
Tyson recently started the ‘Mike Tyson Cares‘ foundation. With this program, he aims to help lower-income communities enjoy a better lifestyle. In fact, he even mentioned his vision on the website. Tyson said, “I am a product of poverty, so I identify with the struggles that plague communities that feel hopeless and despair. I want my foundation to support community-based programs and turn hopelessness into hope.”
Tyson and his wife, Kiki Tyson, also started the ‘We 2 Matter‘ foundation to empower female prisoners to rejoin society.
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WATCH THIS STORY – Five Infamous Altercations of Mike Tyson outside the Ring
What do you think of Portnoy’s contribution? Let us know in the comments below.
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