Mike Tyson’s Return to the Ring
Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson has candidly shared the reasons behind his continued foray into the ring, particularly as he gears up for an upcoming spring exhibition against fellow boxing icon Floyd Mayweather. In a recent interview on the Today Show, Tyson recounted a poignant conversation with his 14-year-old son that illuminated his motivations for fighting at this stage in his life.
Motivations for Fighting
When pressed by his son about what drives him to return to boxing, Tyson found himself at a loss for words initially.
“For a moment, I didn’t know what to say. He asked me, ‘Why? Why do you do this?’ and I felt a wave of sadness hit me,” Tyson reflected.
Eventually, he responded with a profound declaration:
“I told him, it’s because I’m the best that ever did it.”
Although his son struggled to fully grasp this assertion, Tyson firmly believes in the truth of his statement.
Legacy and Humility
Unlike the brazen persona he embodied in the 1980s, the now 58-year-old Tyson displays humility as he discusses his long career in boxing. He emphasized that his prolonged presence in the sport has become a defining characteristic of his legacy.
“I earned more money in my 50s than I did in my 20s, and I’ve only fought four times since turning 50. It’s fascinating how that shifts,”
he noted, reflecting on his journey. Tyson is at a stage where financial gain no longer drives him; instead, he finds fulfillment in the assurance that he can care for his loved ones.
Exhibitions and Legacy
For Tyson, these exhibitions represent more than just entertainment; they serve as a way to solidify his established status in boxing history and assert his legacy. As he approaches the highly anticipated exhibition with Mayweather, Tyson acknowledges the blurring lines between sport and spectacle, a theme that has emerged throughout his recent comeback attempts.
Enduring Motivation
Ultimately, Tyson’s enduring motivation isn’t rooted in wealth or fame, but rather in a profound belief in his own unparalleled greatness within the sport.
“That’s why I keep fighting. Because I’m the best that ever did it,”
Tyson asserted, leaving little room for dissent. From the commentary, one can appreciate that Tyson’s commitment extends beyond mere nostalgia or financial incentives—it’s about the recognition he believes he deserves.
About the Author
Phil Jay has dedicated over 15 years to journalism in the boxing arena. As the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, he has interviewed a plethora of boxing champions and has been present at many pivotal moments in the sport’s history.
