Mike Tyson is one of the more beloved athletes on the globe, however, his journey has been notorious for the adversity and controversy faced along the road traveled.
In a recent interview with Loaded magazine, the former heavyweight boxing champion opened up about his bouts with addiction and how the experience has shaped his personal outlook.
“I still have struggles with my mental well being but thankfully I have better tools,” the Brooklyn native told the outlet. “I’ve learned a lot over the years from being a former drug addict. I understand my triggers and why I self sabotage.”
Mike Tyson looks on prior to the Heavyweight fight between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou at Boulevard Hall on October 28, 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Mike Tyson
Tyson continued, adding that introspection and self-reflection have aided him in his growth and arc of redemption. “When I’m honest with myself and do that self inventory I feel great,” he expressed.
“I think many people want to blame others for their problems without realising they are a part of their own story and they can redirect their life at any time. But that’s only possible if you’re honest with yourself about how you got to where you are now.”
Mike Tyson attends the Mike Tyson Cares & We 2 Matter Fundraiser on December 05, 2021 in Newport Beach, California.
Phillip Faraone/Getty Images
Elsewhere in the interview, Tyson opened up about his usage of testosterone, attacking the stigma placed around the hormone and those who take it for health and wellness.
“I think there is this misconception that if men take testosterone it’s because physically there is something wrong with them,” the 58-year-old said, adding that an insufficient level of the hormone has been shown to alter one’s mind-state and emotions.
“But from the age of 30, I don’t care how healthy you are, your testosterone levels drop. This affects more than just your physicality, it also affects your mood,” he reasoned. “Getting a testosterone plan as you age should be as normal for a man as taking a daily supplement in my opinion, because it does so much to stabilize the body and mind.”
Mike Tyson speaks onstage during the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson Boxing match Arlington press conference at Texas Live! on May 16, 2024 in Arlington, Texas.
Cooper Neill/Getty Images for Netflix
Mike Tyson is currently preparing for his highly-anticipated boxing match against YouTuber Jake Paul, which is finally set to take place following numerous delays and false starts. The bout is scheduled to go down on Nov. 15 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and will be streamed globally on Netflix.
