Mike Tyson has been called the ‘Baddest Man on the Planet’ and can be one scary dude when he wants to be.
But even the legendary boxer himself is afraid of what can happen when his “killer” side comes out when he doesn’t want it to.
Speaking on Logan Paul’s Impaulsive podcast, Tyson — who will fight Logan’s brother, Jake, on Nov. 15 at AT&T Stadium – said that the “killer” side that he harnesses when in the ring has gotten him into a lot of trouble outside of the ropes.
“Absolutely, that’s gonna happen, but here is what I learned from prior experience — when that tough guy Mike Tyson comes out when it’s not necessary to come out, I’m always in handcuffs,” the boxing icon said.
“So, I’m always careful when that guy comes out. Every time I drink or get ready to fight, I break out in handcuffs.”
Tyson said that the dark side of himself “haunts” him and he wishes “that guy died.”
“Unfortunately, I have to fight and be that guy,” he explained. “I wish I could stop that guy. That guy haunts me. I wish I could stop that guy. I wish that guy died, but he’s here to stay.”
While Tyson has had his fair share of run-ins with the law, he also said that he suppresses “that guy” by loving his children and family. He also credits cannabis with helping him tremendously in his life post-boxing.
Substance abuse has caused him legal issues in the past, though.
One incident occurred in December 2006, when he was arrested in Scottsdale, Ariz., on suspicion of DUI and felony drug possession. In September 2007, he plead guilty to possession of cocaine and driving under the influence. He spent 24 hours in jail as well as three years’ probation.
Tyson’s match against Jake Paul was originally scheduled for July but was postponed after the 58-year-old had medical issues related to ulcers.
Tyson also said that the killer version of himself is “so easy … to come back,” and that he’ll need it in the ring because he views his opponent as a killer as well.
“That’s how I look at him,” Tyson said of the YouTuber-turned-boxer.
Paul is 10-1 with seven KOs in his career while Tyson, who hasn’t fought an officially sanctioned match since 2005, has a career mark of 50-6 with 44 KOs.
The Nov. 15 bout will be streamed live on Netflix.
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