“I Was a Puppet”: Mike Tyson Explains How Promoters Exploited Him

Mike Tyson has had an iconic professional career. But he was not alone in the process. Tyson had numerous people around him who played different roles in his life. At the same time, the former heavyweight champion had as many public fallouts with the people on his team. The 56-year-old did not hold back from letting the people around him know how he truly thought about them. In a recent episode of his podcast, he was joined by Ryan Garcia. The former champ revealed his experiences with promoters and how they exploited him during his career as a professional boxer.

As a professional boxer, Tyson was a man of his own will, or that is what it seemed to the fans. But, the ‘Baddest man on the planet’ explained how the promoters around him were the ones who exploited him with contracts.

Mike Tyson was a ‘puppet’

‘Iron’ Mike has had some tumultuous experiences with some promoters. His most notable fallout was with veteran promoter Don King who he even sued for siphoning millions of dollars from him. As an experienced boxer, Tyson shared his experiences with the young upcoming sensation Ryan Garcia.

Tyson talked about the boxing contracts and how they are drafted to control the boxer. The 56-year-old called the contracts “slave contracts.” He further said that the way the contracts were explained to him, it just felt like “slave stuff.” Tyson also discussed the ways to get out of the contract. And the only way is to buy back your contract. This is something the former five-division world champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. did with Top Rank Boxing.

Tyson explained his experience, saying, “I always had to fight myself out. They had me so good. I was a puppy. I was a puppet.” Don King and Mike Tyson are one of the most talked about controversies in the sport and Tyson also revealed how he took revenge on the promoter.

Mike Tyson’s gifts for Ryan Garcia

Further, in the podcast episode, Mike Tyson showed his appreciation for the lightweight. He gave him some gifts from his own brand. The 56-year-old has his own brand of boxing equipment now and he gave Garcia a lot of things. He gave him a pair of boxing gloves, mitts, a Mike Tyson t-shirt, and hand wraps.

While giving him all of it, Tyson said “I Love you, man” to Garcia, and the 24-year-old showed his gratefulness for all the love the former heavyweight champion gave him.

Read More: Mike Tyson Sends a “Boss” Message to Ryan Garcia’s Trainer Joe Goossen

What are your thoughts on Mike Tyson’s unconventional boxing career? Let us know in the comments below.

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