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Former undisputed heavyweight world champion Mike Tyson admits he has turned into a softie.
One-time hell-raiser Tyson, once known as the ‘Baddest Man on the Planet’, believes he is now a reformed, family man.
“As far as my personal life goes, everything’s changed,” said Tyson. “I have an eight-month-old baby and a new wife – I’m like Mr Mom now.
“That’s good for me and what I need. I used to be the kind of guy that would go out to get some milk and not come home for three days.”
Tyson, 43, recently performed the draw in Las Vegas for Prizefighter Heavyweights III, Barry Hearn’s eight-man, one-night tournament at London’s ExCel on October 2.
The draw set up a potential rematch between British Champion Danny Williams and former Olympic gold medalist Audley Harrison.
“That would be one hell of final. Danny is great guy and a great fighter,” said Tyson, who lost to Williams in 2004.
“I don’t know if Audley is content with his gold medal. It’s one hell of an achievement but professional boxing is so different.
“Audley has tons of ability and style, but style doesn’t win fights, it’s the moral behind the fight.
“Prizefighter is exactly what the fans want to see – all out action, but it’s going to take a special kind of fighter to win it.
“You have to get off to a fast start, score quickly but also stay composed.
“It was always my aim to get off to a fast start and throw as many punches as possible – Prizefighter would’ve been perfect for me!
“All the contenders are warriors and know how to fight but there can only be one champion.”
‘Iron Mike’ Tyson, the youngest man to win the WBC, WBA and IBF world heavyweight titles, won 50 of his 58 professional fights.
He likes the Prizefighter concept where each fight lasting a maximum of three rounds and the idea of the underdog shocking the favourite.
Tyson added: “When I was 15 I remember travelling to Providence for a fight. It was a long ride for me and I was fighting this older, more experienced guy – he was 22 and everyone thought he was ‘the man’.
“The place was packed and I was making a name for myself – but was just a kid.
“It was such a tough, great fight. I never stopped, I fought my heart out that night.
“The fight was too close to call and although they gave it to the hometown fighter it was the greatest fight of my life.
“I cried all the way home to Catskill. When I got home Cus D’Amato asked me why I was so upset.
“He told me how proud he was that I never caved in that night and kept fighting to the end. I will never forget that night.”
Prizefighter Heavyweights III tickets cost £40 and £80 and are available from See Tickets on 0871 220 0260, www.seetickets.com or from Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900.
