Despite $400 Million Net Worth in the 90s, Mike Tyson Reveals How Inflation “Killed” Him

Boxing is a sport that has been around for more than a century and has produced some of the world’s most iconic athletes. From Muhammad Ali to Mike Tyson, boxing has seen some of the biggest names in the sports industry. However, the sport has also witnessed a significant change in the way fighters are paid, with modern-day boxers earning far more than their predecessors.

‘Iron’ Mike also recently spoke about the dramatic shift in the sport’s financial landscape. He highlighted how a single fight for modern-day fighters could earn them more money than what fighters from the 60s and 70s made. However, he also compared his earnings to that of the legendary ‘Sugar’ Ray Robinson.

Mike Tyson reveals how he made more in a single fight than his predecessors made in their entire careers

In a recent episode of his podcast Hotboxin’ along with Ryan Garcia, ‘Iron’ Mike highlighted how he made more money in a single fight than what Robinson made in his entire career. Robinson, who fought 203 times in his career, did not make as much money as Tyson did in a single fight.

“Fighters nowadays, one fight, and is more money than ‘Sugar’ Ray ever made in his lifetime. Two hundred and three fights, this guy right here fights to make what? I made ten million dollars. That’s more than he made in 26 years,” he said.

This was not all as Tyson further discussed how the inflated earnings could be detrimental to boxers. Moreover, he revealed how the sudden wealth could lead to a false sense of security and affect fighters negatively when they have to give up their luxurious lifestyles.

Mike Tyson reveals how inflation led to him becoming bankrupt

Later in the podcast, ‘Iron’ Mike touched upon how the cycle of wealth can be short-lived in the world of boxing. According to him, inflation and indulging in a lavish lifestyle can be really hard for fighters once the money stops coming in. Moreover, the fighter is left with the reality of having to adjust to a new life.

“The inflation just blows out of proportion. That’s what destroys some fighters. It f***ing killed me. Hey, I thought it could never stop coming. I could never stop buying houses and cars for girls and friends and stuff. And then you come with the reality and stuff, this stuff stops, and you have to give up on that and move to another level of life,” he added.

LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 16: Mike Tyson seen on June 16, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Hollywood To You/Star Max/GC Images)

Tyson who was reportedly worth $400 million in the 90s, lost everything and was forced to declare bankruptcy once his career was over. In order to avoid such a fate, fighters must learn how to manage their finances and invest in their future. However, Tyson did understand this later in life and has since used his name and image to become quite successful financially once again.

Read More: “It Tastes Horrible”: Mike Tyson Makes a Confession to Wiz Khalifa About Evander Holyfield’s Ear

What did you think about inflation affecting Tyson’s wealth? Let us know in the comments below.

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