Amir Tyson, the eldest son of legendary boxer Mike Tyson and Monica Turner, recently shared an emotional confession on Instagram that has struck a chord with many of his followers. Amir revealed that he recently lost his aunt Shawnda Wilkinson to cancer. A disease that causes millions of deaths worldwide annually, cancer is a terrifying disease that despite treatment, in many cases, consumes the patient.  

Even Mike Tyson’s mother, Lorna Smith, passed away from cancer when the former boxer was only sixteen years old. This was also touched upon by Amir Tyson in his message. 

Amir Tyson expresses his rage towards the horrible disease 

Born on August 5, 1997, the 26-year-old shared a story on Instagram to express his feelings during his period of grievance. Not only did he pour his heart out, but he also voiced his frustration about the helplessness in situations like this. Amir wrote, “I’m crushed right now. My auntie died of cancer. If I ever find out there’s a cure for cancer that they don’t release I’m seeing red and losing my mind. I love you so much auntie @shawndawilkinson.” 

He further mentioned how he never got to meet his paternal grandmother, Lorna Smith, either because the disease took her at an early age. He added, “Cancer is so fu**ing evil man. Love everyone I lost to cancer in my life. I never got to meet my paternal grandma because of lung cancer. Very upset right now.” 

Although Amir Tyson lamented about not getting to meet his grandmother, Mike Tyson has a different take on this. He believes that his mother’s absence was “one of the best things” that ever happened to him.

Mike Tyson opens up about the passing of his mother

Iron Mike was one of Lorna Smith’s four children. After their father abandoned them, Lorna was left to look after the kids. The family didn’t reside in the best neighborhood for raising children – Brownsville, Brooklyn. Therefore, Tyson was involved in robberies and other crimes from a very young age. That is until Cus D’Amato, his first coach, took him under his care. 

In 1982, when Tyson was with D’Amato, Lorna passed away from cancer. While talking to ClubShayShay in an interview, Tyson revealed, “You know, one of the best things that ever happened to me is that my mother died. Because my mother would have babied me. There’s no way I would ever got into a street fight. No way I would ever learn to stand up for myself.”

Despite the fact that growing up without his mother shaped who he is now, he still has resentments. The former heavyweight champion went on to say that he had never seen his mother being pleased or proud of him. Never did he get a chance to speak with her fully. Tyson concluded by saying, “Professionally, it has no effect, but it’s crushing emotionally and personally.”

Meanwhile, what do you think about Amir Tyson’s Instagram story about cancer and how it takes a toll on people? Write down your thoughts in the comments section below.