Mike Tyson: His Life and Relationship with Pigeons that you may not know about
Childhood and Early Life
Mike Tyson was born on June 30, 1966, in Brooklyn, New York. His childhood was full of challenges. He grew up in the tough neighborhood of Brownsville, known for its high crime rate and violence. Tyson’s family life was also difficult; his father abandoned the family when Tyson was very young, leaving his mother to care for him and his siblings.
Amidst the harshness of street life, Tyson found escape in pigeons. He started taking care of pigeons as a child. Tyson’s first pigeon was a gift from a neighbor. The birds provided a much-needed sense of calm and peace amidst the chaos of his life. Tyson often says that pigeons were his first friends, and caring for them gave him a sense of responsibility and purpose.
The Invention of Boxing and the Influence of Cus D’Amato
When Tyson was around 12 years old, he was arrested several times for being involved in petty crimes. At the age of 13, he was placed in the Tryon School for Boys, a reform school in New York. There, Tyson met Bob Stewart, a former boxer, who introduced him to boxing.
Under D’Amato’s guidance, Tyson quickly rose to the top of the boxing world. In 1986, at the age of 20, he became the youngest Heavyweight Champion in history after defeating Trevor Berbick. Tyson was known for his aggressive fighting style and incredible punching power, earning him the nickname “Iron Mike.”
However, Tyson’s personal life remained fraught with challenges. After the death of Cus D’Amato in 1985, Tyson lost the father figure and mentor who had guided him. Life outside the ring became even more difficult with controversies, failed relationships, and legal troubles.
An Ongoing Relationship with Pigeons
Amidst all the ups and downs of life, pigeons remained an important part of Tyson’s life. After retiring from boxing, Tyson often spoke of his deep love for these birds. He had many pigeons in his home and often took care of them himself.
Pigeons gave Tyson a much-needed sense of peace and balance. Tyson once told me about an incident when a man killed one of his pigeons as a child, causing Tyson to get very angry and getting him into the first fight of his life. This shows how important the birds are to Tyson, not only as a hobby but also as a source of emotional comfort.
Life After Boxing
After retiring from boxing, Tyson underwent various transformations. He was involved in various projects, including acting, writing books, and running businesses. One of his most notable projects was the television show “Taking on Tyson,” which focused on his love for pigeons and pigeon flying competitions.
Tyson also underwent rehabilitation and deep self-reflection. He spoke openly about his struggles with mental health, addiction, and attempts to find peace in his life. Pigeons remained an integral part of this healing process, providing Tyson with a much-needed sense of stability and peace.