Mike Tyson opened up about some of his most personal struggles, including drug addiction and mental health, in a wide-ranging interview with Loaded magazine.
The American boxing icon, 58, whose next fight will be against YouTuber Jake Paul, also explained his use of testosterone therapy and the “misconceptions” surrounding it.
Tyson explained that taking hormone therapy helps his physical and mental health, and criticized the false narrative that men have to take testosterone because “something is wrong with them.”
Speaking to the magazine, he said: “I think there’s a misconception that if men take testosterone it’s because there’s something physically wrong with them.”
‘But after the age of 30, no matter how healthy you are, your testosterone levels drop. This affects more than just your physique, it also affects your mood. In my opinion, following a testosterone plan as you age should be as normal for a man as taking a daily supplement, because it goes a long way towards stabilizing the body and mind.’
Elsewhere in the discussion, Tyson detailed using “better tools” to help with his mental health after overcoming drug addiction.
He said: “I still struggle with my mental wellbeing, but luckily I have better tools.” I have learned a lot over the years being a former drug addict. I understand my triggers and why I self-sabotage.
Mike Tyson opened up about some of his most personal struggles, including drug addiction and mental health, in a wide-ranging interview with Loaded magazine (pictured in 2005).
The American boxing icon, 58, whose next fight will be against YouTuber Jake Paul, also explained his use of testosterone therapy and the ‘misconceptions’ surrounding it.
The former world heavyweight champion, who will face Paul Arlington at AT&T Stadium on November 15, was once considered “the baddest man on the planet” (pictured in August with Paul at their fight press conference ).
‘When I’m honest with myself and take that personal inventory, I feel great. I think many people want to blame others for their problems without realizing that they are part of their own history and can redirect their lives at any moment. But that is only possible if you are honest with yourself about how you got to where you are now.”
The publication of the interview comes just days after Mike admitted that he wouldn’t want anyone to live the controversial life that he does.
The former world heavyweight champion, who will take on Paul Arlington’s AT&T Stadium on Nov. 15, was once considered “the baddest man on the planet.”
The fight was originally scheduled for July, but Tyson suffered a medical emergency on a plane. An “ulcer flare-up” made Tyson feel nauseous and dizzy before paramedics came on board.
In an interview with The entire Smoke Fight podcastTyson was asked if his life had been “too much” at times and the former champion shed tears as he responded.
He said, “I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.” I don’t wish my life on anyone. Overall, yes.
Tyson also revealed that fame was a motivator for him, saying, “That’s why I trained so hard.” I was a nobody who wanted to be someone. I wanted it all. I wanted to be the greatest fighter in the history of life.’
Tyson faces YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul at AT&T Stadium in Arlington on November 15
The publication of the interview comes just days after Mike admitted that he wouldn’t want anyone to live the controversial life that he has (pictured before his first fight after his release from prison).
Fans have been concerned about Tyson competing again at his age, but he clearly feels he still has what it takes to compete.
‘I don’t think he’s 58 years old. Do you think I feel 58 years old when I fight these young black men in the gym and get beat up by those big strong ***** mothers? **, and I am answering them.
‘He’s supposed to be the young one, I’m supposed to be the old one, he’s going to run all… all night?’ I think I should try it.
‘He’s a younger man, he should be able to withstand the blows of a withering old man like me. Listen, you can’t compare me to other people my age because other people my age haven’t been training as long and consistently as I have.
“I’m just a different species of human being, I think because I’m very active in what I do. I don’t sit back and do nothing. It’s going to be a wonderful evening and the city of Dallas will be entertained.”
Tyson’s journey has been colorful, to say the least. He has been married three times, had seven children with three women.
His mother died when he was a teenager, he bit opponent Evander Holyfield’s ear in 1997 and he went to prison when he was 20.
‘My whole life has been a waste, I’ve been a failure,’ he told USA Today in 2005. ‘I just want to escape. I’m really ashamed of myself and my life.’ But now he seems to have found peace.
Elsewhere in the discussion, Tyson detailed using “better tools” to help with his mental health after overcoming drug addiction.
Before the fight, Tyson revealed that he currently has no ulcers and said his diet was to blame for his previous health problems.
“I was eating too much bad food and stuff, and I got sick,” she exclusively told DailyMail.com.
Tyson said he was now avoiding processed foods and “eating clean” ahead of his fight with Paul, who is 31 years his junior.
He also added that he was still vaping: “I can’t escape vaporizers,” he said.
The former undisputed world heavyweight champion was also asked how his fight with Paul could affect his legacy, although it is clear that he is not concerned about the opinions that may be formed about him.
“I didn’t take this fight for legacy,” he said. ‘I think legacy really, from my point of view, legacy is ego. Who cares what people think of them when they’re gone?
‘I’m dead. I can’t value what anyone thinks of me when I’m dead, so it doesn’t mean anything to me.
Paul, for his part, has also shown himself confident heading into the fight.
In September, he said he would give Tyson $5 million more if he lasted more than four rounds, but said Tyson would have to get an ‘I love Jake Paul’ tattoo if he couldn’t reach that mark.
Paul, who rose to fame as a YouTuber, has won nine of his 10 professional fights and only lost to Tommy Fury by split decision last year.