If you want to pull a heavy punch and drop your opponent’s face flat on the canvas, you need to be fit and boast power behind those punches. And Mike Tyson did it for several years. He would storm into the ring and leave his foes bamboozled with sheer force.

These questions kept the fans interested in the American fighter’s diet, eating patterns, and habits. However, those changed once he hung up his boxing gloves in 2005, and he soon adopted a strict vegan diet. But with his life and career trajectory changing again, he is adjusting to a different lifestyle.

When did Mike Tyson become a vegan? His comments about the vegan diet

Tyson, 58, shed light on his new plant-based diet with Oprah Winfrey in 2013. He had made the switch back in 2010, as he struggled with health problems after consuming a diet of steak coupled with intoxicants. He even credited his vegan diet for his well-being and shedding extra pounds. ‘Iron Mike’ said back then, “I lost weight. I dropped over 100lbs, and I just felt like changing my life, doing something different, and I became a vegan.”

He continued, “Becoming a vegan gave me another opportunity to live a healthy life. I was so congested from all the dr*gs and bad c*caine, I could hardly breathe. High blood pressure, almost dying, arthritis, and once I became a vegan, all that stuff diminished.”

Tyson followed the vegan diet for close to a decade and also agreed with the moral arguments of veganism. The 50-6 record holder voiced the same sentiments when he appeared in a conversation with GQ Sports in 2019. He had declared, “I don’t eat anything that has a mother and father… So, that means I only eat vegetables and stuff.”

Is Mike Tyson still a vegan? What does he eat now?

Tyson’s fascination with veganism didn’t last for long, and he would soon quit it somewhere in 2020. Therefore, he is not a vegan anymore. When asked about how the Brooklyn native was preparing for his coming fight with Jake Paul, he told Damon Elliott that he had picked up eating raw meat to help him.

However, when recently asked about the same in a Netflix interview, he denied picking up such a habit. “I would never eat no damn raw meat. My wife eats raw meat, but I don’t eat raw meat. The Japanese stuff—sushi,” the former world champion declared. But what made him quit the vegan diet?

Why did Mike Tyson leave the vegan diet?

Tyson had accepted the invite to make a return to the squared circle in an exhibition fight in 2020 against Roy Jones Jr. So, he had to make the adjustments according to his training and to make his body fit for a grueling affair in the boxing ring. He admitted to Joe Rogan that he was feasting elk and bison during his camp and training regime. The ‘Baddest Man On The Planet’ wanted his body to look a certain way, and he wanted strength, so he went to old eating patterns.

He announced, “I stopped [eating vegan food] because of the training and because of what I wanted my body to look like and the strength that I wanted to possess… I only eat elk and bison—wild stuff—and I’m starting to feel fit… I realized the stuff that’s good for other people—like kale, vegetables, and blueberries—for me is really poisonous.”

But Tyson has always looked back on his vegan days with appreciation. He continues to laud the health benefits of veganism, despite his drifting away from it in recent years because of his boxing career commitments. Hence, when ‘Kid Dynamite’ recently invested in a vegan food chain, it didn’t surprise the fans.

Mike Tyson invests in a vegan food chain

Tyson disclosed his plans to strategically invest in the plant-based QSR chain, Mr. Charlie’s Told Me So, through his holding company, Carma HoldCo. Carma HoldCo. is the parent company behind his TYSON 2.0 brand, and it released a press release on October 23 to specify its strategy to invest in the plant-based fast-food chain. Interestingly, the chain has made its mark internationally with its new take on fast food. In addition, it has a menu that catches the eyes instantly with its items, such as ‘Not a Cheeseburger’ and ‘Not a Chicken Sandwich’.

Talking about the same, Tyson declared, “Mr. Charlie’s is a natural choice for Carma Holdco as we diversify into the food industry. I very much believe in the healthy benefits of a vegan diet and was a strict vegan for many years.” The fast-food chain is now expected to expand its global footprint and open new outlets throughout the United States and other nations.

Everyone makes mistakes—even former heavyweight champ Mike Tyson! He found himself in a hilarious mix-up when social media sensation Hasbulla Magomedov dropped by his podcast last year. The TikTok star, who has growth hormone deficiency, appeared in Tyson’s Hotboxin with Mike Tyson podcast in March last year, when things took a hilarious turn.

During his appearance in the podcast, Tyson let the 26-year-old unload some punches, as he showed off his trademark bobbing and moving. But, out of nowhere, ‘Iron’ Mike grabbed hold of the social media star and playfully nibbled on his ear, which made Hasbulla visibly uncomfortable and the interaction awkward. The bizarre clip instantly went viral, amassing millions of views online.

As it turns out, Tyson didn’t realize Hasbulla was a grown man, who he took for a child. Fast forward to November 2024, as Tyson is about to step into the ring with YouTube star Jake Paul for a professional bout, ‘Iron’ Mike sat down with former unified super middleweight champion Andre Ward for an interview on All Smoke Fight.

During their chat, Ward couldn’t help but bring up the unforgettable moment between Tyson and Hasbulla, prompting Tyson to reflect on the day’s antics. “I thought it was a baby,” he admitted, his embarrassment creeping in as he recalled the hilariously awkward encounter. He reminisced about how things escalated to him picking up Hasbulla and, well, nibbling on his ear!

“I didn’t know. He was punching me. I don’t know, man. That’s how I am with children. I was hugging on this guy. He’s like 26 years old….,” Tyson chuckled. When Ward probed whether Tyson was just putting on a show for the cameras, Tyson quickly responded, “No, no. I did not know.” That said, the former heavyweight champion has bigger things to worry about.

He will fight Paul in an eight-two-minute round fight on November 15th at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas—live on Netflix. This bout will mark his professional comeback since losing to Kevin McBride in 2005. Regardless, speaking of recollecting the past, this actor recollected a violent encounter involving Mike Tyson.

Tyson Beckford recalls Mike Tyson allegedly caving a man’s chest in

Actor Tyson Beckford appeared in an interview with Vlad TV three years ago, where he shared a gripping story about his friend Mike Tyson while recalling a bar encounter. The actor described a confrontation with a man named Max Pierre, stemming from a past dispute over a woman. When Pierre confronted Beckford at the bar, Tyson intervened.

He punched Max in the chest, and…Max’s whole chest cavity came in and he went back…knocked him down,” Beckford recalled. The situation escalated, as Tyson furiously declared, “Don’t you ever disrespect him like that again! He’s a f**king icon!” Reflecting on the moment, Beckford said, “The look on Max Pierre’s face when he was gasping for oxygen…I thought he was going to die.” 

That said, Mike Tyson has an abundance of stories that continue to captivate fans and highlight the legendary heavyweight champion’s unique experiences. Among them, his encounter with Hasbulla stands out as one of the funniest.

In his day, Mike Tyson was one of the most watchable fighters on the planet.

The ferocious heavyweight from Brownsville, Brooklyn won the world heavyweight championship at age 20 and continued to strike fear into opponents until he was shockingly knocked out by James ‘Buster’ Douglas in 1990.

A subsequent stint in prison saw Tyson out of the ring for many of his prime fighting years, but on his return he still delivered entertaining nights under the lights, going up against the likes of Frank Bruno, Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis.

In an interview with the Pound 4 Pound podcast, Tyson was asked to name his top five favourite fighters to watch…

David Benavidez

Benavidez is a two-time super-middleweight champion who recently won the WBC Interim Light-Heavyweight belt, putting him in line for a shot at the full title in the future, currently held by Artur Beterbiev. Currently undefeated, the man fans want to see him and his all-action style in against most is Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez. Next up is David Morrell.

Gervonta Davis

‘Tank’ Davis could be the hardest puncher, pound-for-pound, in the entire sport. With just two men hearing the final bell against him in 30 fights, his explosive shots have catapulted him to stardom. The 29-year-old holds the WBA Lightweight World Title and will face Lamont Roach Jr next.

Shakur Stevenson

By CompuBox numbers, Stevenson is one of the least hittable fighters in the sport. A three-weight world champion at the age of 27, he is currently alongside ‘Tank’ in the lightweight ranks holding the WBC belt. Shakur is sidelined with a hand injury but has said he will return in February of 2025 to face number one contender William Zepeda.

Terence Crawford

Crawford is the latest four-weight world champion in the sport having won belts at 135, 140, 147 and 154 pounds. He tops many pound-for-pound lists given his switch-hitting and punishing fighting style is yet to be deciphered in 41 contests. Like Benavidez, he’s in the market for a fight against Canelo, though that would require jumping up a further two divisions.

Errol Spence Jr

Spence was undefeated in 28 fights before coming up against ‘Bud’ Crawford last year and losing in the undisputed welterweight fight. With wins over the likes of Shawn Porter, Kell Brook and Mikey Garcia, fans would like to see him come again and a return up at super-welterweight has been touted.

“I’m the best ever.” Mike Tyson flaunts his merchandise t-shirt in the gym as he breaks a sweat. There have been concerns about the American fighter’s body holding up against the vagaries of gruesome training and a professional fight with Jake Paul. But he brushes those aside, suggesting that he seems ready, as he continues to show glimpses of his former glory in his training seasons.

Tyson, 58, is set to fight it out with Paul, 27, on November 15 at the AT&T Stadium, in Arlington. The fight has enough buzz and traction given the two separate pools of fans that both boxers will bring in, as the fight streams on Netflix. Both boxers have kept the fans updated about their training regime and health. But the fans of the former heavyweight champion are again getting used to his peak fitness levels and the thunderous sound of him hitting the punching bags.

Tyson, at 50-6, recently turned to his social media handles and shared a clip from the Mike Tyson Boxing Club. The fans could see him lifting weights and unleashing his power on the mitts with an eerie sound as the backdrop. He wrote in the caption, “I’m still the best ever,” referencing his quote after the Michael Spinks fight. He had declared back then, “I’m the best ever. I’m the most brutal and vicious, and most ruthless champion there’s ever been.”

What’s more? Given the magnitude of the fight, the payout for both is also justifying the numbers. As per the Evening Standard, there is a prize pot of $80 million for this fight, ensuring both fighters leave the arena with loaded pockets. However, ‘Iron Mike’ had an opportunity to earn $5 million extra.

Mike Tyson, Jake Paul and a $5 million bonus

Paul, at 10-1, had offered Tyson an additional $5 million if the latter lasted more than 4 rounds against him. In an interview with Sports Illustrated, ‘Problem Child’ addressed the wager and said, “I think I TKO or KO him in rounds four or five. But yeah, he hasn’t responded to the b-t and I don’t think he probably will. I think he’s locked-in in war mode.”

Interestingly, Tyson is aware of the condition. But he has shunned the offer because the number was low. The Brooklyn native told US Sports, “He should offer more. Tell him probably about 20.” Tyson is currently focused on the fight and spends 6 hours daily preparing for it in the gym. His training clips have boosted the fans’ confidence and expectations of him to turn in a splendid performance, reminiscing them of the good old days.

Mike Tyson has been pulled back into professional boxing after nearly two decades following his last professional fight in 2005. He will be locking horns with Jake Paul on November 15, 2024, at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The eight-two-minute round contest between the two fighters will be live-streamed on Netflix. With fight night inching closer, Mike Tyson is doing a lot of press for the fight

Recently, Mike Tyson sat down with Cam’ron and Mase during an interview on their Come And Talk 2 Me podcast to discuss his upcoming opponent, and also delve into the fascinating life that Iron Mike has lived so far. Amidst the conversation, Tyson was asked by Cam’ron, “What’s one of the toughest fights you had?” Interestingly, Mike Tyson’s toughest opponent wasn’t any of the boxers he had lost against, like Evander Holyfield, Buster Douglas, or Lennox Lewis. “Razor Ruddock, this guy from Jamaica. He’s pretty tough,” Tyson replied after thinking for a moment.

Mike Tyson faced Donovan ‘Razor’ Ruddock for the first time on March 18, 1991, in a title eliminator fight to determine the mandatory challenger for Evander Holyfield’s titles, who was the unified heavyweight champion back then. Tyson won the bout by seventh-round TKO but controversy surrounding the referee’s decision to stop the fight meant that the fighters again met for the rematch on June 28, 1991. This time too, Tyson emerged victorious, but the famed knockout artist was taken to the full distance of the fight, ultimately winning via unanimous decision.

However, Tyson’s answer prompted the interviewer to ask a follow-up question—”That’s one of the toughest fights that you had and you still won, but you lost some fights. You don’t think the fights that you lost were tougher than the ones that you actually won against?”

In response, ‘Iron Mike’ stated that the fights that he lost were his “best” fights because they allowed him to learn from his mistakes or add new elements to his fighting style. He further said that the many early knockout wins in his career didn’t teach him anything in boxing. “The fights that I lost those were my best fights, right. I say because that’s my learning stage in life, you know. What did I learn by kicking these guys’ a**es in two seconds?” he stated candidly.

However, Mike Tyson seemed to have changed his opinion because earlier this year he revealed a different opponent to be his toughest-ever competitor. Although, again, he chose an opponent he won against. But why?

What a granite chin actually implies

In an interview with The Sun, Mike Tyson picked another vanquished opponent as his toughest rival in his professional career. “I thought it was Pinklon Thomas. He was my toughest opponent,” Tyson stated. The pair met way back in 1987 for the WBA and WBC Heavyweight title which was held by ‘The Baddest Man on the Planet’ then. In his usual style, Tyson stopped Thomas in the sixth round, after dominating for nearly the entirety of his fight. But what really amazed Tyson was his opponent’s ability to take punches.

“I hit him with seventeen punches, flat, on the face. He went down but it was seventeen punches!” Tyson said in amazement. He further stressed that Thomas went out on his shield, and therefore he was one of the toughest fighters he faced in his estimation.

Seventeen punches, flush. All of them were as hard as they could be and the last one he just passed out. I thought ‘God, that is my toughest fight’. He took seventeen on the chin,” he recalled.

Nevertheless, it is quite amazing that Tyson picked two opponents that he won against as his toughest rivals. Safe to say, ‘Iron Mike’s’ perspective of watching fights differs greatly from an average fight fan.

It’s been a few months since the fans last relished an episode of ‘Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson‘ for one last time. Thanks to YouTube, scores still revisit some of the memorable episodes and their bits and pieces. One of Hotboxin’s episodes that seems to have found resurgent popularity among followers features legends Thomas Hearns, ‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard, and ‘Sugar’ Shane Mosley.

Especially, the sequence where Leonard and Hearns face off appears to have hit the mark, rousing fond memories among scores of fans. Sharing the clip through his Instagram post, Hearns, who will turn 66 a month from now, time traveled 43 years back. On September 18, 1981, young and hungry warriors, he and Leonard squared off for the first time. It didn’t take much before several fans joined to appreciate the lasting legacy and impact of the legends who may have physically aged but still exuded that intense youthful drive.

When Titans Converge

“Yesterday was our 43-year anniversary for our first bout in 1981; the world still remembers the night I stood toe-to-toe with @sugarrayleonard.” Thus wrote Thomas ‘The Hitman’ Hearns. He further added that the fight was more than just your typical contest. It was an epic showdown that has since left a perpetual imprint on the boxing landscape.

The first sequence of the Hotboxin’ episode features Ray Leonard standing and inciting Thomas Hearns for a face-off. They had just reviewed their 1989 rematch, the one that ended in a split decision draw. Not on camera, but Hearns could be heard saying, “Don’t try to size me up,” after Leonard told him that he could still knock him down.

However, he got up to see Leonard eye-to-eye, so many years after they fought for the last time. Mike Tyson felt that Hearns had evidently decreased in height. ‘You used to look like 6’3″,” he said. The next slide shows the trio discussing family affairs. Thomas Hearn shared that he had three sons, the oldest being 37 years old.

Thomas Hearns, ‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard: The Unfading Heroes

Nevertheless, for the fans, it was all about ‘The Showdown’, the 1981 clash. Let’s check what a few fans said about the commemoration. Expressing a deep admiration for Thomas Hearns, this fan highlighted the place the former champion held in Detroit’s boxing sub-culture. They said, “The Hitman! One of my favorite fighters and a staple of Detroit boxing.”

The next fan acknowledged ‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard’s qualities. However, they couldn’t help but emphasize why Thomas Hearns remained their all-time favorite. Though at times vulnerable, ‘The Hitman’s exceptional athleticism and the deadly combination of his lead-hand jab and the powerful right simply made him stand apart from the rest. They admitted, ” I love Ray Leonard, but Tommy hears my all-time favorite fighter. Yes, his chin let him down a few times, but the athleticism and the spite in his jab and the right hand”

For the next fan, though, it was all about Ray Leonard’s singular bravery. “Really, Leonard was a brave man to face the Fantastic 4 being one of them (Hagler, Hearns, and Durán),” stated the fan. One just needs to look at the way he fended off challenges from greats such as Hearns, Roberto Duran, and Marvelous Marvin Hagler.

The next follower recalled the 1981 classic. They still find it astounding for the way Hearns forced an unusual change in Ray Leonard’s fighting style. They said, “It was one of the greatest fights I’ve ever seen. I had no clue Hearns would outbox Leonard and force him to become the brawler. It was an instant classic. #fourkings.”

Hearns and Leonard might be old, but to this fan, they still appeared fit as a fiddle: “They both look amazing even in their 60’s.” Clearly, the nostalgia is just irreplaceable when it involves such legends as Leonard and Hearns. For many, it’s an opportunity to stack up the presence and see how and where boxing has reached in its long journey.

The fifteen-round bout began with a strong show from Thomas Hearns. However, ‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard, who initially found it difficult to break through Hearns’ reach, rallied back and fought aggressively. Regaining his focus, Hearns marched back into the fight, securing victories in rounds nine to twenty. But Leonard turned the tide by the thirteenth round. A flurry of punches saw Hearns leaning on the ropes. Not losing any momentum, ‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard unleashed a brutal attack that left Thomas Hearns totally answerless. Thankfully, the referee saved him from further misery by waving his hands to stop the fight. ‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard thus became an undisputed welterweight champion.

Mike Tyson is ready to enter the ring again at fifty-eight. The re-scheduled showdown with Jake Paul will take place on November 15. Judging by what Tyson revealed in an Instagram story a few days ago, he couldn’t wait for his fans to be present at the former Disney star’s “wake”. ‘Iron Mike’ posted a screenshot of the days left for their bout with the caption, “@JakePaul can’t wait.” 

The fight, which was initially scheduled for July 20, was later postponed to November following Tyson’s medical emergency on a flight from Miami to Los Angeles in May. As things stand, with his health concerns kept at bay, Tyson is back in camp preparing hard for the fight against an opponent who is thirty-one years younger than him. Besides, Tyson looked in high spirits as he dropped his new merch collection: “HEATWAVE”.

Taking to Instagram, Tyson posted pictures of him wearing two different t-shirts with the caption, “Feeling Ferocious in this heatwave.” The merchandise drop is a collection of two black T-shirts with iconic Mike Tyson prints in thermal imaging. The first photo shows ‘Iron Mike’s ripped physique during his prime years. What’s more, the shirt has the word “Tyson” emblazoned on it in bright yellow. The next shirt has a close-up of a young Tyson’s face printed on it. What stands out in this T-shirt is ‘Kid Dynamite’s girthy neck. The word “Ferocious” is imprinted across the eyes, giving the 58-year-old fighter donning the t-shirt a menacing look.

The recent addition to the Mike Tyson merchandise collection is a great precursor to the upcoming press conference for the Jake Paul fight.

Trash-talking bonanza with a special guest!

The Jake Paul-Mike Tyson fight’s upcoming press conference will be held at the Fanatics Fest in New York on August 18, hosted by Super Bowl Champion and the host of Inside the NFL, Ryan Clark. The event will be broadcast Live on Most Valuable Promotions and Netflix’s YouTube channel. To top it off, the legendary former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning will be attending the event to generate hype for the upcoming fight.

“Peyton “The Sheriff” Manning will be a special guest during the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson Press Conference at Fanatics Fest on Sunday, August 18th! Don’t miss it… – #PaulTyson Friday, November 15th AT&T Stadium – Arlington, TX Live on @netflix,” Jake Paul’s promotion MVP posted on X.

In the previous leg of the Tyson-Paul press conference, Tyson vowed to “finish” Jake Paul’s professional career. Interestingly, Paul made his debut on the undercard of the Mike Tyson vs Roy Jones Jr. exhibition matchup in 2020. On the other hand, the YouTuber-turned-boxer issued a warning to ‘Iron Mike’ after his dominating win over Mike Perry in July. “I’m going to take your throne,” Paul declared boldly.

Meanwhile, fight analysts and commentators have fiercely criticized Paul for picking up a fight against an aged Tyson whose reflexes will not be as sharp as it was during his prime years. Also, if Jake Paul wants to become a world champion, his current choice of opponents does not align with his ambition.