Mike Tyson is one of the most iconic figures in the history of boxing. Known for his apathy, raw talent, and feral power, the former heavyweight champion has had just as sensational of a life outside the ring. The following are 10 of the lesser-known facts about Mike Tyson that speak to the depth of his reality.
1. Arrested 38 Times Before Age 13 
Mike Tyson’s troubled childhood set up an eventual rise to fame in his future. By the time he was just 13 years old, he had been arrested 38 times. His frequent run-ins with the law led him to the Tryon School for Boys in Johnstown, New York.
It was at this juvenile detention center that one Bobby Stewart, counselor turned ex-boxer, saw the potential in Tyson and brought him to train for a short period before handing him over to legendary boxing trainer Cus D’Amato. With C’Amato, Tyson transformed from a wayward teen to one of the most feared fighters in the world.
2. A Painful Childhood and a Mother’s Agony
Tyson grew up in a very unstable home. His mother, Lorna Mae Tyson, is accused of prostitution that guaranteed her at least some financial support for the family. He lost his mother when he was 16 years old, and Cus D’Amato took him over as his legal ward.
As a matter of fact, about his mother, Tyson once said, I never saw my mother happy with me and proud of me for doing something. She only knew me as a wild kid running the streets coming back home with new clothes that she knew that I didn’t pay for. This emotional void had affected Tyson even while being on the road to professional success.
3. The Tragic Loss of His Daughter
One of the most tragic circumstances in the life of Tyson was his having lost his four-year-old daughter, Exodus, in a home accident in 2009. She was found unconscious with her little brother, stuck in a treadmill cord, and died the next day from her injuries.
This incident significantly affected Tyson, who has spoken about how it changed his point of life view. It remains one of the most heart-wrenching chapters in his personal story.
4. A Shift in Faith: From Catholicism to Islam
Converted to Islam while growing up as a Catholic, Tyson said he converted to the religion before he went to prison. He clarified that numerous people believed he converted to Islam during imprisonment.
He took the Muslim name Malik Abdul Aziz and went on pilgrimages; he completed the Umrah in July 2010 and in December 2022 with DJ Khaled; his faith is the most important part of his life.
5. Felony Conviction
Tyson’s career was marred by a rape conviction in 1992. He was convicted of raping 18-year-old Desiree Washington, a contestant in the Miss Black America pageant. Convicted after a two-week highly publicized trial, Tyson was given a six-year prison term.
He spent three years in prison before being released on parole, which remains one of the most controversial and defining moments of his life.
6. Five Years of Abstinence for Boxing Glory 
To realize his dream of becoming the youngest heavyweight champion in history, Tyson made an odd sacrifice: abstaining from sex for five years.
Believing this self-enforced discipline helped him stay focused and aggressive in the ring, inspired by stories of legendary fighters who avoided distractions before fights, Tyson believed that this routine helped him focus on his bigger aim as a fighter. His dedication paid off in becoming the youngest heavyweight champion, aged only 20.
7. An Unusual Request to Fight a Gorilla
In one of the strangest anecdotes from Tyson’s past, he attempted to bribe a zookeeper with $10,000 to let him spar with a gorilla that was bullying other primates. The zookeeper refuses the proposal, but the event reveals Tyson’s volatile personality and the idea of justice, even among animals.
8. An Unforgiving Exercise Regimen
An intense exercise regime was the explanation behind Tyson’s incredible physique and power. Some of his routine activities were:
– Waking up at 4 a.m. for a 5-mile jog
– Doing 2,000 sit-ups, 500 push-ups, 500 dips, and 500 shrugs
– Neck bridges for 30 minutes
This grueling schedule was attended to on weekdays, making Tyson one of the most physically formidable competitors in combat sports history.
9. Animal Lover
Tyson has long been known for his love of animals, huge cats. He once kept three white Bengal tigers and spent a staggering $70,000 each on them and $200,000 yearly on their upkeep.
However, Tyson later said he regretted having wild animals in a captive environment since it creates ethical issues. Interestingly, his first-ever fight was reportedly over a pigeon—reflecting his lifelong love for animals.
10. The Story Behind His Iconic Facial Tattoo
Tyson’s facial tattoo, inspired by the Māori tribe, has become one of his most recognizable features. Originally, Tyson wanted a design of hearts to symbolize his softer side, but his tattoo artist convinced him to go for something bolder.
While initially criticized, the tattoo has become a defining part of Tyson’s persona, representing his resilience and unique identity.
From Bankruptcy to a New Fortune 
Though he bankrolled over $400 million in his boxing career, Tyson was reported to have filed for bankruptcy in 2003 with debts of $23 million. His heavy spending on mansions, cars, exotic pets, and even a gold bathtub added to his financial downfall.
Tyson reinvented himself by launching a cannabis business, appearing in movies, and hosting a popular podcast. Today, his net worth is estimated at $10–15 million—a testament to his ability to bounce back from adversity.
Mike Tyson’s life is a tale of triumphs, tragedies, and transformations. From his troubled childhood to becoming a boxing legend, Tyson has lived a life filled with extremes. These 10 facts offer a glimpse into the complexities of his journey, showing that beneath the power and fame lies a deeply human story of resilience and redemption.
