Mike Tyson returns to Albany for a new type of show

Mike Tyson returns to the ring, but this time, he's a different man

"I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't have nerves," Tyson said of the fight.

Mike Tyson, the once undisputed world heavyweight champion boxer, appears to be a dissimilar homo than he was during the two decades that he reigned in the sport, and he says it's not just his age.

Merely this weekend, the legendary fighter will be returning to the ring to face onetime champion Roy Jones Jr. in an exhibition match. Information technology's a fight that he's spent months training for and, despite his reputation, one that he said he's both "excited" and "absolutely" nervous about.

"I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't have fretfulness," Tyson, 54, told "Nightline" co-anchor Byron Pitts. "I mean, you don't participate in anything at this level of excitement without having nerves, but that also catapults you another level of participating."

One-time world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson speaks to ABC News' Bryon Pitts most his past every bit well as his upcoming exhibition fight with fellow champion boxer Roy Jones Jr.

ABC News

Although it'll be an exhibition match, anything can happen in the ring when the ii men start throwing punches, Tyson says.

"It's an unwritten clause in our contract … that anytime during preparation and fighting, you can die," Tyson said. "I've seen it happen. … So that's a cracking possibility that we wish don't happen, we hope don't happen, just that happens in the sports game."

Michael Spinks and Mike Tyson fight for the WBC, WBA and Ring Heavyweight titles on June 27, 1988 at the Convention Hall in Atlantic City, N.J.

Focus On Sport/Getty Images, FILE

The match will be part of a new initiative that Tyson's launching called "Legends Only League," which will give retired athletes a chance to compete again. He says that the "second chance at glory" was inspired by stories about erstwhile NFL wide receiver Jerry Rice.

"Only inquire anybody who would they rather come across play, Jerry Rice or the guy that's playing his position right at present on a squad that he played with, and yous would get, overwhelmingly, they wanna run into Jerry Rice," Tyson said. "And and then, now simply because he's a few seconds over for the all-time time, he can't participate?"

The initiative is but the latest of Tyson'southward ventures since retiring from professional boxing in 2005. But even then, his tumultuous by would proceed to haunt him.

Having grown up in the Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, Tyson was exposed to violence and poverty at a young historic period. With an estranged begetter and an alcoholic mother, he was no stranger to street crime, having been arrested over 30 times before 12 years old.

He was eventually introduced to Hall of Fame trainer and battle director Constantine "Cus" D'Amato, who molded him into a professional boxer. In 1986, at just twenty years old, Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion of all fourth dimension after defeating Trevor Berbick.

Mike Tyson and Trevor Berbick fights for the WBC Heavyweight title on November. 22, 1986 at the Las Vegas Hilton in Las Vegas.

Focus On Sport/Getty Images, FILE

Mike Tyson and Trevor Berbick fights for the WBC Heavyweight title on Nov. 22, 1986 at the Las Vegas Hilton in Las Vegas.

Focus On Sport/Getty Images, FILE

The title helped launch Tyson's fame effectually the world. Merely for all the dear he received from fans, there was also controversy.

During an interview with ABC News' Barbara Walters for "xx/20" in 1988, his then-married woman Robin Givens defendant him of domestic violence.

"He shakes, he pushes, he swings," she said on TV. "Sometimes, I recall he'south trying to scare me. There are times when information technology happened that I thought I couldn't handle it. And just recently, I've become afraid. I hateful, very, very much agape."

Barbara Walters, right, interviews Robin Givens and Mike Tyson on "20/20" in 1988.

Robert Maass /Walt Disney Television via Getty Images, FILE

The marriage ended in divorce a short time after the interview. Then, years later during an appearance on "The Oprah Winfrey Show," he admitted to Winfrey that the relationship had been abusive.

In 1992, Tyson was convicted of raping 18-twelvemonth-old Desiree Washington in Indiana and sentenced to vi years in prison house. He was released less than three years later, later on which he returned to the ring.

Merely a couple of years later on, in 1997, Tyson was butterfingers in a now-infamous moment during the world heavyweight championship fight when he violently bit off a piece of opponent Evander Holyfield'south ear. The incident led to the pause of Tyson'south boxing license, although it was later reinstated.

Referee Lane Mills steps in as Evander Holyfieldreact south afterwards Mike Tyson flake his ear in the tertiary round of their WBA heavyweight championship fight at the MGM Grand Garden Loonshit in Las Vegas, June 29, 1997.

Jeff Haynes/AFP via Getty Images

Tyson left boxing and began to fiddle in movies. In 2009, he appeared in a now-famous cameo in "The Hangover." But on and off the ready, he was as well struggling with drug habit.

"I OD'd a bunch of times," Tyson said. "And my wife snapped me out of information technology and stuff -- called people, fixed me up."

Today, Tyson hosts the "Hotboxin' with Mike Tyson" podcast and manages the Tyson Ranch, a company that promotes cannabis-based products.

Still, he says his well-nigh of import role is that of "family man." Tyson had 2 children with his third and current married woman, Lakiha Spicer -- Kingdom of morocco Tyson, 9, and Milan Tyson, xi. Tyson says Milan, who is a budding tennis player, "will be a prodigy."

Mike Tyson and daughter Milan are seen at the Kidcaster Booth for Net Generation during the 2017 U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Aug. 28, 2017 in New York City.

Mike Stobe/Getty Images, FILE

Reflecting on his past, Tyson says he is committed to leaving it behind.

"Life has beat me into submission. It has cypher to do with me being apprehensive. Life was simply tougher than me at the moment," he said, referring to his responsibilities every bit a father and husband. "I'm unable to successfully exist the ass---- that I was earlier. … I have no choice … I'thousand committed and living the other way."

"I accept struggled," he added. "But it's really good."

Source: https://abcnews.go.com/US/mike-tyson-returns-ring-time-man/story?id=74383271

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