Mike Tyson’s Best Friends Are Those He Served Time With in Prison

Mike Tyson, a man whose life has been closely intertwined with violence and controversy, has maintained some deep friendships with former inmates. Known for his turbulent past and numerous run-ins with the law, Tyson’s connections to the criminal world are far from surprising. In fact, there have been rumors suggesting that Tyson may have committed up to 1,000 criminal acts before rising to fame. Despite his violent reputation, Tyson has revealed that he still keeps in touch with close friends from his time in prison, including some lifelong inmates serving life sentences.

Mike Tyson’s Prison Past and Lasting Bonds

Mike Tyson’s tumultuous past includes multiple stints in jail, with the boxer being arrested 38 times before even reaching his teenage years. As a young boy, he was frequently in and out of prison, often “eating more prison food than home-cooked meals.” Tyson’s early life of crime came to an end when he met Cus D’Amato at a juvenile detention center in Bronx, New York, which eventually led to his boxing career.

Tyson, now 53, credits his prison friends with being some of the most important people in his life, even though their paths diverged significantly. While Tyson became a world champion boxer, his old friends became murderers, some serving multiple life sentences. However, Tyson has kept his friendships with them intact, stating, “They are my oldest friends and the ones I am closest to.”

Tyson’s Reflections on His Criminal Past

Tyson admitted in an interview that while his criminal lifestyle was behind him, he still visited some of his old friends in prison. These men, many of whom were serving life sentences, became his closest companions during his youth. Tyson mentioned that although he no longer lived a life of crime, he still visited his old friends, “I don’t participate in that life anymore, but I still visit them. They’re my lifelong friends.”

Tyson’s admission of his past highlights his understanding of the two paths his life could have taken. “They became murderers, and I became a boxer. I’m happy I didn’t stay in prison with them, but I still visit them.”

From Prison to Glory: Tyson’s Journey

Tyson’s career in boxing, which skyrocketed after he left the streets behind, brought him both world fame and fortune. However, his life took a dark turn in 1991 when he was convicted of rape against beauty queen Desiree Washington. Tyson was sentenced to six years in prison, a time he still claims was unjust.

Despite his continued struggles, Tyson’s life seems to have stabilized in recent years. After a series of personal setbacks, including financial ruin following his retirement from boxing, Tyson now leads a peaceful and centered life. He’s become a changed man, finding solace in his family, spiritual practices, and his remaining friendships.

Tyson’s Plans to Return to the Ring

At 54, Tyson has made headlines once again, this time planning a return to the ring. He recently faced Roy Jones Jr. in a highly anticipated exhibition match in November 2020. Although Tyson’s days of dominating the boxing world may be behind him, his life story remains a powerful narrative of redemption and self-discovery.

Mike Tyson’s journey reflects the complexities of a man who emerged from a violent, troubled past to become one of the most famous and controversial athletes in history. Through it all, Tyson’s loyalty to his friends and his ability to acknowledge his past mistakes have played an integral part in his evolution into the man he is today.

Mike Tyson’s Transformation

Mike Tyson is not just a boxing legend; he is a man with a complex past that continues to influence his actions and decisions today. His ability to remain connected to his old friends despite their circumstances and his acknowledgment of his criminal past show a side of Tyson that many fans may not have seen. Tyson’s story is one of redemption, proving that even the most troubled individuals can change and grow over time.