Home/Boxing

On 22nd November 1986, barely twenty, Michael Gerard Tyson, known to the world as Mike Tyson, became the WBC Heavyweight champion. Debuting roughly eighteen months before the feat, Iron Mike participated in 27 fights. He allowed only two among those to reach the decisions.

Festooned with the moniker ‘The Baddest Man on the Planet’, the young boxer of impressionable age wasted no time. Tyson summoned the inner demons that plagued him since his turbulent childhood. Soon a reputation as a boxer possessing mortifying punches riding on the back of seething anger and rage sent shivers down the spine of many fighters. But what was lost on most fans and critics was the real Mike Tyson behind that acquired persona. A tumultuous career that saw him careening at times through an agonizing personal life finally came to an end. The former champion decided to jot down the myriad of events gripping his fascinating life. One, in particular, sticks up for Mike Tyson. A young boy, far more lighthearted than anyone could ever presume him to be.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

For a young boxer whose exploits are yet to meet a match in the history of boxing, Mike Tyson was a curious teenager. Unfortunately, at times his curiosity got the better of him. However, its detrimental effect wasn’t lost on either him or near and dear ones, in this case, his elder brother Rodney Tyson.

Mike Tyson’s elder brother, Rodney Tyson

Mike Tyson had an elder brother Rodney and an older sister Denise. He had a step-brother Jimmie Lee Kirkpatrick as well. Describing his relationship with Rodney, he said, “My brother Rodney was five years older than I was, so we didn’t have much in common… We’re black guys from the ghetto and he was like a scientist – he had all these test tubes, was always experimenting…”

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Read More: ‘Can’t Wait’: Recent Mike Tyson Announcement Leaves Fans Impatient

Narrating a particular incident, Tyson said that once Rodney left for the chemistry lab at the Pratt Institute. The latter had to retrieve a few chemicals for experiments. During his absence, finding his room unlocked, Mike sneaked in. Soon he started pouring water into the test tube solutions. Unknown to him, the chemical reactions resulted in a fire inside Rodney’s room. After the incident, his elder brother started locking his room without fail.

via Getty

Mike Tyson went on to build a solid reputation for pummeling his opponents. However, his elder brother Rodney became a surgeon saving precious lives. In fact, on numerous occasions, the brain surgeon helped rescue Mike’s friends when needed. The former heavyweight champion admits to bothering his sibling when they were both young.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Watch Out for More: A harsh dose of reality from Mike Tyson to Naomi Osaka’s boyfriend

Challenge Your Sports Knowledge!

Solve the puzzle and prove your knowledge of iconic players, terms, and moments.

Play Now!