Former world heavyweight champion, Mike Tyson, is undoubtedly one of the greatest boxers to set foot inside the ring. The raw power and skillset he exuded inside the ring, and his eccentric personality outside the ring, rightfully earned him the moniker, The Baddest Man on The Planet. However, life was not all sunshine and rainbows for the champ. He had a rough childhood and had to fight his way up the ladder of success. In fact, he once spoke about puking out food after getting punched by a boxing legend.
Tyson released his autobiography, Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth, in the year 2013. Moreover, this book which was co-written by Larry Sloman saw Tyson detail his journey from an unforgiving childhood to the pinnacles of boxing glory.
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A boxing legend made Mike Tyson puke
Boxing legend Bobby Stewart is often credited with introducing Tyson to his trainer and father figure, Cus D’Amato. The second chapter of the book (Page 42) detailed a particular incident from the time he met Stewart. Tyson’s petty crimes landed him at the Tryon School for Boys in Johnstown, New York. While at the juvenile home, he heard about Stewart who was a former Golden Gloves champion.
According to Tyson, he expressed interest in meeting Stewart, who later showed up in Tyson’s room. ‘Iron’ Mike conveyed to Stewart his desire to become a boxer. Stewart, on the other hand, was not too convinced that Tyson will put in the work for the same.
Tyson further mentioned that he finally got a chance to fight Steward. And immediately started throwing aimless slugs at Stewart. However, Stewart possessed a far superior skill set. He quickly slipped and landed a brutal punch on Tyson’s stomach. Talking about how he felt, Tyson said, “I threw up everything I had eaten for the last two years. What the f*ck was that. I was thinking.”
He further added that he was unaware of the intricacies of boxing at that time.
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The Tyson D’Amato connection
Tyson has often spoken about his relationship with his trainer, D’Amato. Talking about their bond, he said, “Very close. Very close. I was very close, but I knew not to get too close.”
D’Amato even became Tyson’s legal guardian after the demise of his mother, Lorna Smith Tyson. The then-future, champion relentlessly trained for greatness under the watchful eye of D’Amato. In fact, it can even be argued that the iconic performances that Tyson showcased inside the ring would not have been possible without D’Amato.
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What are your thoughts on the Tyson Stewart fiasco? Let us know in the comments below.
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