“I’ve Been Watching Him Ever Since I Was In the Gutter”: 14 Years After Michael Jackson’s Death, Mike Tyson Opens Up About “Crazy” Part of Knowing Late American Icon 

The death of Michael Jackson has left a massive vacuum in the world. 14-years after his death, his name still echoes as the greatest in the world of music. His aura, the legacy he left behind, and the fanbase he amassed – none of these is something any pop star can ever come close to. That’s the kind of reputation he has crafted for himself. Even now, when people mention his name, it evokes a sense of solemn nostalgia, instantly transporting them back in time.

The recent episode of Hotboxin’ saw the legendary boxer Mike Tyson delve deeper into this nostalgia. Joining him was the singer’s son, Prince Jackson. From conversations ranging from Jackson’s infamous hologram at the Billboard Awards to the circumstances surrounding his death, nothing was left untouched. In the podcast, Tyson revealed the impact of Michael Jackson during his childhood.

Mike Tyson’s inspiration- Michael Jackson

Indulging in a conversation about the profound impact the musical star has left on people, both Prince and ‘Iron Mike’ discussed the prevalence he had in Mike’s life. In the podcast, a question was posed as to how people process the fandom the legendary has amassed. It was at this point that Prince asked Tyson about how his kids felt knowing the legacy he’s created over the years. Responding to it, the boxer said, “My kids like to bust my b*lls.”.  Pushing the conversation ahead, Prince suggested that Mike is a well-known name globally not just because he was associated with his dad but also because of his outstanding boxing career.

‘Iron Mike’ then stated that Jackson was one of his earliest inspirations, “You’d be surprised…how you say that inspired you, that inspired me. I’m the champion of the world to meet him. I’ve been watching him ever since I was in the gutter. Ain’t that crazy?” Talking about how his inspiration transformed into a relationship with the singer, Tyson further added, “Now you know him.”

What was Michael Jackson’s perception about Mike Tyson?

From a sense of mutual respect to their shared love for animals, Prince Jackson revealed how his father remembered former heavyweight champion, Mike Tyson. MJ’s son recollected that it was in the year 1997 when his father called the fighter a ‘scary jester’. MJ was also aware that Tyson was deeply in love with pigeons. He also revealed that his dad recalled the fighter for the generosity and kindness he embodied.

Building on this premise, Prince said, “In ’97, my dad used to talk about you. He said two things: you were a ‘scary joker,’ and he always talked about your pigeons. I think he felt a similar kinship because he had rats and you had pigeons.”

Also Read: 14 Years After His Death, Mike Tyson Finally Tells Michael Jackson’s Son Real Reason Late Icon “Changed” His Skin Color

This episode of the podcast is significant in many ways. The wide range of topics discussed on it would become a total textbook of tales from MJ’s life. Moreover, they came directly from his son. As Mike Tyson discussed fondly his admiration for the late singer, many viewers could relate to him for he is after all The King of Pop.

14 years after his death, his name still remains relevant in everyone’s life he touched through his music and unwavering effort to charitable work.

What is your favorite memory you have of Michael Jackson? Let us know in the comments section below.

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