Mike Tyson, the former heavyweight boxing champion, is set to revisit his tumultuous journey in a new four-part docuseries titled *TYSON*, premiering on Netflix on 13 October. In an interview with PEOPLE, Tyson reflected on the complexities of his life, sharing that he believes he would not be the person he is today without the dark chapters of his past.
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Despite having had countless documentaries created about him, the 60-year-old boxer expressed his puzzlement over the continued interest in his story. “I just don’t understand why they still want to know about me,” Tyson remarked with a laugh. “They’ve done so many documentaries about me already! But I guess I understand. This one is good. But a lot of things are just so uncomfortable to revisit.”
The docuseries aims to delve into every aspect of Tyson’s life, showcasing his rise from a challenging childhood to his reign as heavyweight champion. Tyson’s early years were marked by significant hardships, including a troubled upbringing in poverty and his involvement in crime that led to 38 arrests by the age of 13. The series also covers his immense success, which saw him earning hundreds of millions in prize money, as well as the downfall that followed him closely.
Beyond his achievements, the series does not shy away from the tragedies that have shaped Tyson’s life. It chronicles the profound losses he endured, including the deaths of his mother, his trainer, and his four-year-old daughter. The narrative also addresses his battle with addiction, turbulent relationships—particularly his marriage to actress Robin Givens—and the betrayal he faced from those he trusted, resulting in significant financial losses.
The boxer conveyed that while he has moved on from these incidents, the memories remain deeply ingrained. “The past is the past,” Tyson stated, noting that he has celebrated a decade of sobriety from alcohol and cocaine. “But our memories are imprisoned in our minds forever.”
Perhaps one of the most infamous moments of Tyson’s career was the notorious “bite fight” against Evander Holyfield in 1997, where he bit his opponent’s ear twice. Tyson remarked on the incident, distancing himself from the idea that it was something to be celebrated. “A lot of people thought it was a good thing to do,” he said, “but I’m still embarrassed.”
The first episode of *TYSON* focuses on Tyson’s formative years, highlighting a pivotal moment when he discovered boxing while at a juvenile detention centre. His talent was recognised by trainer Cus D’Amato, who later became his legal guardian and played a crucial role in his life. Under D’Amato’s mentorship, Tyson not only honed his boxing skills but also transformed personally, achieving reading proficiency in just one month and developing a sense of confidence that had eluded him.
Tyson credited D’Amato for instilling a strong sense of self-belief within him. “He gave me confidence. He gave me character. He made me believe in myself and what I could do,” Tyson explained. The boxer reflected on how vital it is for young individuals to receive positive reinforcement during their early years, stating, “To give a young boy confidence is a very important thing to do.”
However, after D’Amato’s passing in 1985, Tyson faced considerable challenges, including exploitation by those he considered friends. “Cus always protected me,” Tyson lamented, indicating that without D’Amato, he found himself vulnerable to the harsh dynamics of professional sport, where personal connections can be overshadowed by profit motives.
Looking back at the numerous highs and lows of his life, Tyson professed that he has no regrets. He stated, “Everything that was quote-unquote ‘negative’ turned out to be a positive for me.” Now, he cherishes spending time with his family and acknowledges how far he has come, remaining grateful for both the pain and triumphs that have shaped him into a better person.
As *TYSON* prepares to launch, the former champion remains a figure of fascination, illustrating that even the most tumultuous lives can lead to invaluable lessons and personal growth. The series promises an in-depth exploration of Tyson’s extraordinary life journey, a narrative that continues to resonate with audiences globally.