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
Dreaming of NYSE? Adopt an Entrepreneurial Mindset First, Loren Douglass says

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

The Heartbreaking Struggles of Tiger Woods From Billion Dollar Icon to the Disastrous Crashes That Nearly Stole His Life

The Heartbreaking Struggles of Tiger Woods From Billion Dollar Icon to the Disastrous Crashes That Nearly Stole His Life

From jaw-dropping scandals to headline-grabbing mishaps, we’re unpacking the wild story of Tiger Woods’ tumultuous superstardom in the public eye …
The Tragedy and Triumphs of The Braxton Sisters Over the Years

The Tragedy and Triumphs of The Braxton Sisters Over the Years

In honor of what would’ve been Traci Braxton’s 55th birthday, let’s take a look at the Braxton sisters’ interesting history of success and hardships! …
Black America Reacts to Trump Firing Attorney General Pam Bondi

Black America Reacts to Trump Firing Attorney General Pam Bondi

Black Twitter is buzzing with comments about President Trump’s decision to fire Attorney General Pam Bondi …
New Study: DNA Testing Could Be the Key to Saving Black Women With Breast Cancer

New Study: DNA Testing Could Be the Key to Saving Black Women With Breast Cancer

Led by Dr. Sonya Reid, a Black physician, a new study shows how DNA-based tumor analysis can help close the survival gap for Black women with aggressive breast cancer …
Why the Internet is Obsessed With This Black Woman's Disability-Friendly Recipes That Don’t Require Stoves, Knives or Standing

Why the Internet is Obsessed With This Black Woman’s Disability-Friendly Recipes That Don’t Require Stoves, Knives or Standing

No standing. No cutting. No problem! Meet the Black content creator who creates disability-friendly recipes that’s taking the internet by storm …
WATCH: The Wild Moment a Woman Tries to Ram 2 Chainz Off the Road 

WATCH: The Wild Moment a Woman Tries to Ram 2 Chainz Off the Road 

Rapper 2 Chainz’s regular commute included a wild confrontation with a driver who tried ramming his car— and it was all caught on camera …
Meagan Good Finally Responds to Skin Bleaching Backlash

Meagan Good Finally Responds to Skin Bleaching Backlash

Meagan Good is finally clearing the air and addressing the criticisms she’s received over past skin bleaching claims …
Florida Vice Mayor Found Dead Inside Home as Police Investigate Husband for the Crime

Florida Vice Mayor Found Dead Inside Home as Police Investigate Husband for the Crime

The city of Coral Springs celebrated the election of first Black and Haitian American female commissioner. Now, they’re forced to mourn her shocking murder …
After Tyler Perry Attempts to Pay TSA Works Himself, DHS Finally Steps In

After Tyler Perry Attempts to Pay TSA Works Himself, DHS Finally Steps In

To help ease financial pain on TSA amid the government shutdown, billionaire Tyler Perry stepped in… and then, this happened …
As War in Iran Rages, How Much Higher Can Gas Prices Really Get?

As War in Iran Rages, How Much Higher Can Gas Prices Really Get?

Gasoline prices are up in every state since the Iran war begin and they’re expected to rise …
The Shocking Reason Why Leslie Jones Says the 'Tradwife' Life is Not for Her

The Shocking Reason Why Leslie Jones Says the ‘Tradwife’ Life is Not for Her

Leslie Jones may be single, but that doesn’t mean she’s rushing to walk down the aisle anytime soon. Now, she’s sharing the surprising and hilarious reason why …
Chess, Not Checkers: The Calculated Brilliance of Cardi B’s Corporate Takeover

Chess, Not Checkers: The Calculated Brilliance of Cardi B’s Corporate Takeover

Cardi B admitted many folks assume she’s an “airhead,” however, she’s using the misconception to her advantage. It’s time we stop underestimating her …
10 Years After Tulsa Police Killed Unarmed Black Man, His Family Is 1 Step Closer to Justice

10 Years After Tulsa Police Killed Unarmed Black Man, His Family Is 1 Step Closer to Justice

Nearly 10 years have passed since Terence Crutcher was shot and killed by Tulsa police. Now, his family is finally getting a taste of justice …
Son Steals from a Popular Food Truck and Then Black Mom Makes This Viral Gesture

Son Steals from a Popular Food Truck and Then Black Mom Makes This Viral Gesture

Musa, a food truck vendor, was shocked when the mother of the young Black man who stole money from his tip jar later came to repay the stolen amount …
Who Is Victor Glover, the Black Astronaut NASA Is Sending to the Moon

Who Is Victor Glover, the Black Astronaut NASA Is Sending to the Moon

Victor Glover will be the first Black American astronaut to reach the moon… And he’s the pilot! …
Regina Hall Explains Why She Almost Became A Nun In Her 40s

Regina Hall Explains Why She Almost Became A Nun In Her 40s

‘Scary Movie’ star Regina Hall is opening up about a particularly interesting time in her life and what led to her almost becoming a nun! …
Why Black Folks Should Participate in the Black Census Project

Why Black Folks Should Participate in the Black Census Project

With four years until the national census, leaders are urging Black folks to make their voices heard after the third launch of the Black Census Project …
Will We Ever See Another Black NBA MVP?

Will We Ever See Another Black NBA MVP?

The shift isn’t about skill. It’s about how the game is being taught …
Brandy Says She Had a Relationship With a Boyz II Men Star When She was 16

Brandy Says She Had a Relationship With a Boyz II Men Star When She was 16

Brandy Norwood is finally opening up about the relationship she shared with Boyz II Men member Wanya Morris. And the details are as eye-opening as you’d expect! …
White Influencer's Bizarre Defense After She Was Caught Editing Her Face on Black Model's Photo

White Influencer’s Bizarre Defense After She Was Caught Editing Her Face on Black Model’s Photo

You’ll never guess what Lauren Blake Boultier, a white influencer, blamed after she allegedly stole a Black model’s photo in a bizarre Photoshop fail …