Mike, it is an incredible honor and pleasure to talk to you.
I'm happy to be talking to you also and spreading the word about our special program in Arizona.
I'm excited to discuss everything you're working on, but first, nicknamed Iron Mike and Kid Dynamite, you are known as one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time. How does that feel?
Hey, I've been called a lot worse. I'm enjoying it.
Because it's our Kid’s issue, what inspired you to start Tyson Transformational Technologies Academy's (Tyson's TTA), a Cognia Accredited Micro-School in Arizona serving grades 6th to 12th?
I'm passionate about improving the betterment of our youth. It helps kids having difficulties in regular schools. It’s where they can get the attention they deserve.
Is this a personal thing, wanting to give back to youth after reflecting on your childhood?
Absolutely. The feeling of giving back is so much greater than receiving.
Once having lived in Paradise Valley, how do you feel knowing you're making a positive impact on Arizona kids?
I like to make a positive impact on kids all over the world. Since I lived in Arizona, I know Phoenix youth will benefit from this school.
You’re going to be an inspiration for all the kids attending your school. Who was your inspiration growing up?
My mentor was Cus D Amato- my inspiration for everything. He took me- a kid he didn't know- from the streets, gutter, and sewer system- and made me a world champion.
How do you hope your school will help kids who might face challenging upbringings, like what you faced as a kid?
We did a Netflix documentary of the Brooklyn neighborhood where I grew up, and most recently, found there’s hope. When I was living there in the 70s, there was no hope. There was no hope for a young kid without a family, just an alcoholic mother.
You started boxing at 13. How did that help you not only physically, but emotionally?
I learned so much about myself because everything's psychological. If you could believe something, you can achieve something. It was a very positive atmosphere.
What does the word “champion” mean to you?
There are many variations of champions. Champions about self-respect, self-love, and expressing that to anyone in your presence. It must shine like a light.
What was one of the most meaningful things you got after hitting star status and success?
My custom pigeon coop.
After retiring in 2005, you had a massive coop constructed in the yard of your Paradise Valley home... tell me about that.
Do you have time for a story?
Yes, all the time in the world. I could talk to you forever.
So, listen to this. When I was 11, a bully stole one of my pigeons. He started running away because my mother came out and yelled at him to go away. However, I ran after him, pleading with him to be kind and ask for my bird back.
In turn, he called me names and hurt my beloved bird. It was the first time I ever had any engagement of physical fighting.
From that day on, I fought every day, and that led me to becoming who I am now. I turned into a successful fighter because of a pigeon.
You also learned to fight bullies.
Yes, but only because of my pigeon. I’d always get bullied... kids would take my glasses and my sneakers... I never fought back. Until fighting for my pigeon, I was terrified to throw a punch.
I wasn't always the person people know me to be. I never had a father figure. I didn't conduct myself like a masculine young boy. I was very timid.
What do you want to tell bullies now?
For someone to hurt someone, they must have been hurt themselves. I’ve learned hurt people hurt people and God made hurt people like me to save hurt people like them.
Did you enjoy living in Paradise Valley?
It was incredible. I lived next door to Leona Helmsley.
Your autobiography “Undisputed Truth,” was a beautifully candid and transparent tell-all, but what is something people don't know about you?
I’m very sensitive. People may get the wrong impression of me because I cry easily, but don't mistake that for weakness.
What makes you cry?
Anything... a sad movie, a sad story, reminiscing about my family, wishing my mother could have seen me succeed.
What is Mike Tyson’s life like now as a father and husband? I know you enjoy watching your daughter play tennis...
She's 15 and anticipating turning pro; I’m very proud. But she must prepare for disappointments. It’s a hard thing to learn. Success is based on how you handle disappointments.
You are very wise.
No, I've learned from experience. Life is a learning process.
Reflecting on your career and embarking on more time in the ring, how are you feeling?
Listen, I wish my mentor was here because he always believed the only reason a person doesn't do well in fighting is because he loses desire and interest. Not me. I have the desire and interest to get back in the ring. It’s like an internal fire burning for me to keep going.
Let’s talk about Tyson Pro, your latest endeavor.
Tyson Pro is a project my wife and I put together. It’s exceptional boxing equipment; boxing gloves, boxing trunks, cups, etc... everything needed for men or women to learn the art of boxing.
What motivated you to start the business?
I want to protect fighters. Some of the boxing gear I see now is detrimental to the health of the boxers.
What would you tell kids who have a passion for throwing punches?
Go to the nearest gym and learn how to box.
What’s your cheat meal? Anything you enjoy eating when no one's watching?
I don't do that. I stay on the program.
Can you give us a glimpse of your program?
All my meals have cabbage. Breakfasts are eggs and I eat a lot of fish, meat, and vegetables.
What kind of husband are you? What's your favorite date night?
Staying home. We’re not partying anymore. Been there, done that.
What do you want people to remember you as?
I just want my children to respect me.
Hobbies outside the ring?
My pigeons are my only hobby. I have no hobby but my birds. I have hundreds and am with them every day and every night.
Any words of wisdom you live by?
Nothing is impossible for somebody that tries.
Looking back, what impacted you most throughout your career?
I was able to help people from being Mike Tyson. For example, thousands of kids had toys for Christmas because of our initiatives. Mike Tyson is all about giving.
What was your most memorable fight?
Buster Douglas. As a fighter, I got the crap kicked out of me. My first loss. It was my favorite fight because I handled it well. I didn't let it discourage me, and I came back and won the championship again.
And that's what I’ve learned in life. Never get discouraged. There’s always another day.
You don't have to be big to be strong. You must be big in your heart and in your mind.
miketyson.com
"I have the desire and interest to get back in the ring. It’s like an internal fire burning for me to keep going." -Mike Tyson
"From that day on, I fought every day. I am a successful fighter because of a pigeon." - Mike Tyson
"I’m very sensitive. People may get the wrong impression of me because I cry easily, but don't mistake that for weakness." -Mike Tyson
"You don't have to be big to be strong. You must be big in your heart and in your mind." -Mike Tyson