Mike Tyson Cries & Calls Himself "Empty" Without Boxing

BY Erika Marie 4.5K Views
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Mike Tyson Crying
Mike Tyson shared his heart on his podcast as he talked about shedding his former, angry self—a person he fears but also misses.

Things got emotional on Hotboxin' with Mike Tyson when Sugar Ray Leonard sat down with his fellow champion boxer to talk about life inside and outside of the ring. The series isn't one that typically features its guests or hosts in tears, but Tyson couldn't help himself as he spoke with one of his idols about their favorite sport.

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Tyson became choked up as he spoke about being in juvenile hall at 13-years-old, watching Leonard fight and knowing he wanted to do the same thing someday. Tyson could incredibly recall details of many of Leonard's fights and explained how he felt when he was watching those wins and losses. Then, Tyson touched on who he was as a fighter and how he struggles with repressing the person he used to be because that person was out of control, while also missing his former self because that rage is what aided in making him a phenomenal boxer.

"I know the art of fight, I know the art of war," Tyson said. "That's why I'm so feared. That's why they feared me when I was in the ring 'cause I was an annihilator. I was born for [that]. Now those days are gone. I'm empty. I'm nothing. I'm working on being the art of humbleness." As he fought through his tears, Tyson said, "That's the reason why I'm crying, 'cause I'm not that person no more and I miss him."

"Sometimes I feel like a b*tch," added Tyson. "Because I don't want that person to come out because if he comes out, hell is coming with him. And it's not fun at all. [I'm not trying] to sound cool like I'm a tough guy... I'm scared of him." Watch Mike Tyson's emotional clip with Sugar Ray Leonard below. 


About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.