Turning Stone Casino, Verona, N.Y. – During a post interview for ESPN’s Friday Night Fights, former heavyweight champion and boxing legend Mike Tyson admitted to being a “vicious alcoholic.” During the interview, he was emotional telling the press he was six days sober and was never going drink or use drugs again. The often troubled Tyson appeared very human and vulnerable. It’s a side that over the past several years, we have become accustomed to.
Also, on the same night, after two decades since falling out with former trainer Teddy Atlas, Tyson greeted Atlas with a heart-felt hug and made amends, indicating Atlas was an important part of his life “back then.”
Tyson has admittedly done a lot of bad things to people in his life; subsequently, he would like to be forgiven as he has forgiven others who have wronged him. In particular, Don King, who is known to have (for lack of a better word) cheated the former champ out of millions of dollars during his time as Tyson’s boxing promoter. Nevertheless, a seemingly more peaceful Tyson has forgiven the shady troll doll (King).
Once the most feared man on the planet, Mike Tyson is a middle-aged man trying to overcome the many demons which have historically plagued his life. One can’t help but root for the guy, who in my opinion, means well when it comes right down to it. Unfortunately, its a struggle for him. He firmly admits he is still “negative and dark, and wants to do bad stuff.” That said, he continues to fight that dark side of himself, specifically his substance abuse, by attending AA (Alcoholic’s Anonymous) meetings.
There will always be those who see and cast Iron Mike in a negative fashion. However, I choose to see him as a man who continues to work on himself. Despite coming from a life most people cannot begin to imagine; growing up in the rough streets of Brooklyn, New York, Mike Tyson easily could have been, and should have been a statistic. That said, I understand he is no saint; nevertheless, I choose to wish him the best in his journey for peace and forgiveness.