“I’d Die for Them”: Mike Tyson Pays Tribute to ‘White Family’ Who Adopted Him at the Age of 13

Apr 26, 2023 | 9:15 AM EDT

Link Copied!

Mike Tyson is a household name in the world of boxing, known for his fierce punches and intimidating demeanor inside the ring. However, outside of the sport, Tyson has a story that is just as compelling. At the age of 13, Tyson was a struggling child, with little hope for a stable future. That all changed when he was adopted by a white family who provided him with the love and support he needed to succeed.

Growing up in Brooklyn, Tyson faced a difficult childhood. His mother struggled with substance abuse which led a young ‘Iron’ Mike to resort to a life of crime. Despite this, the former champion was able to find love and affection in the people who eventually became his family

How a loving adoptive family changed Mike Tyson’s life forever

In a recent episode of his podcast, Tyson spoke about the impact his adoptive family had on his life. He revealed how he would do anything for them. The family, whose name Tyson did not disclose, provided him with a home and a sense of belonging. Moreover, he spoke about how he didn’t see his adoptive family as “white” but rather as a loving family who had his back no matter what.

“A white family adopted me when I was 13. So um, I didn’t even look at them as, you know they’re white right? They showed and they’re down with you they would fight for you, they’d die for you, and you know, I’d die for them too. That’s just what it is with family. Some people, we make our own family,” he said.

For Tyson, the love and support he received from his adoptive family made all the difference in his life. It gave him the stability he needed to pursue his dreams and become the boxing legend he is today. Tyson’s tribute to his adoptive family serves as a reminder of the importance of family, regardless of race or ethnicity.

When Mike Tyson detailed how his real mother scared him to death

In his book The Undisputed Truth, Tyson opened up about his difficult childhood. Moreover, he admitted to being scared of his family, particularly his mother, due to their tendency to fight and harm one another.

“That is the kind of life I grew up in. People in love cracking their heads and bleeding like dogs. They love each other but they’re stabbing each other. Holy sh*t, I was scared to death of my family in the house. I’m growing up around tough women, women who fight men,” he said.

Tyson’s description of his difficult childhood underscores the importance of a loving and stable environment for a child’s development. His experience highlights the lasting impact traumatic experiences can have and the power of a supportive adoptive family in providing a sense of safety and stability.

What did you think about Tyson paying tribute to his adoptive family? Let us know in the comments below.

Watch This Story: 5 Most Viewed Episodes Of Hotboxin’ With Mike Tyson