Mike Tyson’s Most Insane Moments Throughout the Years

Iron Mike has no shortage of crazy moments in his long and controversial career in the public spotlight.

At 58 years old, Tyson seemingly still has the energy and strength to take on younger fighters, even if this one happens to be a glorified social media influencer: Jake Paul.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Lupita Nyong’o Celebrates 10 Years After Oscar Win and Her New Film: The Wild Robot

With Iron Mike back in the boxing ring, it feels like the perfect time to look back at some of his most insane moments throughout his career, and knowing Tyson, he is not void of them.

Arrested 38 times

Photo: Ranker

As written in his autobiography, “Undisputed Truth,” Tyson claims that he was arrested 38 times by the times he was 13. Unfortunately, that would become a pattern in his life.

Biting Holyfield’s ear

Tyson may have become the most infamous person in sports after this moment. During his 1997 rematch with Evander Holyfield, as Tyson was clearly losing the fight in the third round, he inexplicably bit part of Holyfield’s ear off.

”I want to eat his children”

In the long list of crazy things Tyson has said, the next maybe the most insane. After he made quick work of Lou Savarese during a fight in 2000, he quickly took aim at the Heavyweight Champion Lennox Lewis. In his post-fight interview, he stated, “My style is impetuous. My defence is impregnable. And I’m just ferocious. I want your heart. I want to eat his children. Praise be to Allah”.

Bites Lewis’ leg

Tyson pulled out his signature technique again during a fight at a press conference with Lennox Lewis. This time, instead of going for the year, he went for the leg.

Russ Salzberg interview

Mike Tyson came in this 1999 interview with Russ Salzberg just angry as all hell. Salzberg didn’t even say anything that crazy, Tyson was just locked in on his next opponent.

Knocked out by Buster Douglaas

One of the most infamous upsets in all of sports history. Tyson was a huge favorite in his 1990 fight with Buster Douglas, who was a 42/1 underdog. Douglas not only won, but he dominated the fight and knocked out Tyson in the tenth round, giving him the first loss of his career.

Interview with Barbara Walters

During this 1988 interview with Barbara Walters, Tyson and his then-wife, did not leave anything up to speculation. She accused her husband of being abusive and even described it as “pure hell.” Meanwhile, Tyson saat beside his wife either stunned or just out of it.

Gorilla fight

Photo: Getty Images McDonald Wildlife Photography Inc.

Yes, while he was a touring a New York Zoo with his wife Robin Givens, Tyson allegedly offered the zookeeper money to allow him to fight a Gorilla that was bullying the others.

Love of pigeons

Photo: Getty Images Stringer

This isn’t necessarily insane, it’s just interesting. Tyson had a deep love of pigeons, even when he was a child growing in New York. At one point, he owned nearly 350 pigeons while living in Arizona.

Tyson catches Brad Pitt with Robin Givens

@grahambensinger

Mike Tyson on the time he caught Brad Pitt with his then-wife, Robin Givens. #miketyson #bradpitt #robingivens

♬ original sound – Graham Bensinger

Tyson claims in his book, “Undisputed Truth,” that he caught his ex-wife, Robin Givens, in bed with actor Brad Pitt. He claims that once he caught them together, Pitt pleaded, “Dude, don’t hit me, don’t hit me!”

Road rage incident

Photo: Getty Images GEORGE BRIDGES / AFP

In August 1998, Tyson was involved in a three-car collision that resulted in him assaulting the two other drivers. He spent nine months in prison. Above is a photo of him arriving in court.

Arizona arrest

Photo: Getty Images Frank Micelotta

In December 2006, after leaving a nightclub in Arizona, Tyson nearly crashed into a police vehicle and was eventually arrested on suspicion of DUI and felony drug possession. He later admitted to using drugs that night and said he was an addict.

Sarah Palin comments

Photo: Getty Images Justin Sullivan

During a 2011 radio interview with Tucker Carlson, Tyson made some extremely inappropriate comments about politician Sarah Palin, where he allegedly described a sexual encounter between the former Governor of Alaska and 90s NBA star Glen Rice.

Punches plane passenger

In April 2022, Tyson was seen on video punching a passenger who was allegedly harassing him during a Jetblue flight. The passenger allegedly threw water on Mike, leading him to throw punces back.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

Black Celebs Showing How They Looked in the 90s Is Taking Over the Internet

Black Celebs Showing How They Looked in the 90s Is Taking Over the Internet

From Halle Berry to Morris Chestnut, Black stars are hopping onto this 90s trend on TikTok. Let’s take a look at the best ones! …
The Worst Oscars Red Carpet Trainwrecks Over the Years

The Worst Oscars Red Carpet Trainwrecks Over the Years

With the 2026 Oscars just days away, let’s take a look at Black celebs who’ve had some fashion misses on the famous red carpet! …
Black Celeb Looks at 2026 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood

Black Celeb Looks at 2026 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood

From Teyana Taylor and Ryan Destiny to Chloe Bailey and more, these Black women shined bright at ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood celebration. Let’s get into their looks! …
S.C. Rep. Jim Clyburn's Run for an 18th Congressional Term Has Black America Divided

S.C. Rep. Jim Clyburn’s Run for an 18th Congressional Term Has Black America Divided

After 85-year-old Rep. Jim Clyburn announced his run for an 18th term, Black folks online shared plenty of thoughts …
Why Oscar-Nominated Film 'The Alabama Solution,' is More Than Just a Prison Documentary

Why Oscar-Nominated Film ‘The Alabama Solution,’ is More Than Just a Prison Documentary

“The Alabama Solution” is what happens when you let inmates tell the unapologetic truth about their living conditions and the abuse allegedly at the hands of correctional officers …
Pastor Goes Viral for Demanding Congregants’ Tax Returns—And The Internet Is Gagging

Pastor Goes Viral for Demanding Congregants’ Tax Returns—And The Internet Is Gagging

The viral pastor told church members to bring copies of their tax returns, saying he’s tired of congregants “playing in his face” when it comes time for tithes and offerings …
Psychology Behind the Internet's Obsession With Punch, the Abandoned Monkey While Immigrant Kids Are Stripped From Their Parents

Psychology Behind the Internet’s Obsession With Punch, the Abandoned Monkey While Immigrant Kids Are Stripped From Their Parents

We explore the dark truth of why the internet rallies more around a zoo monkey than detained kids separated from their immigrant parents …
Professor: Why Black Men Are Upset By Black Boys Wearing Bonnets

Professor: Why Black Men Are Upset By Black Boys Wearing Bonnets

Black boys are not trying to look feminine. They are just taking care of the hair they actually have …
All the Fly Looks Oprah Winfrey Served at Paris Fashion Week 2026

All the Fly Looks Oprah Winfrey Served at Paris Fashion Week 2026

Oprah Winfrey deserves her flowers for these show-stopping looks that set the streets of Paris on fire during fashion week. Let’s take a look at what she wore …
Bam Adebayo's Historic 83-Point Night Becomes a 'Love & Basketball' Moment With WNBA Star A'ja Wilson

Bam Adebayo’s Historic 83-Point Night Becomes a ‘Love & Basketball’ Moment With WNBA Star A’ja Wilson

Bam Adebayo made history with an 83-point performance that broke Kobe Bryant’s legendary record. But his heartfelt postgame moment with girlfriend A’ja Wilson quickly stole the spotlight …
Brian McKnight Is Not Happy With Rickey Smiley

Brian McKnight Is Not Happy With Rickey Smiley

The R&B singer is suing the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, host Karen Clark, and Urban One, claiming they defamed him amid ongoing family disputes with his ex-wife and estranged children …
Get To Know the Dream Team Behind Michelle Obama's Gorgeous Braided Looks

Get To Know the Dream Team Behind Michelle Obama’s Gorgeous Braided Looks

Have you ever wondered who the women are behind Michelle Obama’s gorgeous hairstyles? We’ll fill you in …
The Chilling Details of the Houston Man Who Allegedly Kept Disabled Wife Captive for Years in a House Full of People

The Chilling Details of the Houston Man Who Allegedly Kept Disabled Wife Captive for Years in a House Full of People

Police say James Earl Johnson held his 46-year-old disabled wife captive in a bedroom under lock and key, with no phone access, for five years in Houston …
Thousands of Black Kidney Transplant Patients Get Justice After Racial Bias Is Found in Decades-Old Test

Thousands of Black Kidney Transplant Patients Get Justice After Racial Bias Is Found in Decades-Old Test

Researchers are reporting success after a new effort to reverse racial bias against Black kidney patients is paying off …
Why This Black British TikToker Is Being Dragged Online

Why This Black British TikToker Is Being Dragged Online

Here’s why this Black British TikToker is being dragged by American folks after speaking on American politics …
5 Black Comedians Who Should Host The Next Oscar Awards

5 Black Comedians Who Should Host The Next Oscar Awards

These Black comedic voices would bring the funny to the Oscars stage …
All the Black History That Could be Made at 2026 Oscars

All the Black History That Could be Made at 2026 Oscars

The 2026 Oscars is shaping up to be a hella Black affair is all goes right, let’s take a look at the history that could potentially be made! …
Why Ari Lennox Admitting She Chose the Toxic Man Over the Good Guy Has the Internet in Shambles

Why Ari Lennox Admitting She Chose the Toxic Man Over the Good Guy Has the Internet in Shambles

Singer Ari Lennox’s latest dating revelation has social media in an uproar. Let’s break down why! …
Terrence Howard Claims He Passed on Beyoncé—And the Internet Reacted Exactly How You Expected

Terrence Howard Claims He Passed on Beyoncé—And the Internet Reacted Exactly How You Expected

“Hustle & Flow” star Terrence Howard says he once had a chance with Beyoncé in during her days of Destiny’s Child—but chose a short-lived, “blue-eyed” bandmate instead, sparking some thoughts online …
The 400-Day Target Boycott Was More Effective Than You Think

The 400-Day Target Boycott Was More Effective Than You Think

According to Pastor Jamal Bryant, Target has met three of four of the boycott’s original demands. Here’s exactly what that means …