Mike Tyson (Image: 2024 Axelle/Bauer-Griffin)

Mike Tyson reveals how he made £300m while being a 'jerk' in prison

by · Birmingham Live

Mike Tyson, the famed former heavyweight champion, has opened up about a surprising financial upturn during his stint in prison. Despite being sentenced to six years for rape charges in 1992 and serving less than three, Tyson saw his wealth massively increase due to promoter Don King's savvy negotiating.

The boxing legend detailed to Andre Ward on 'The Art of Ward': "When I went to prison I had $15m, when I came out I must have had $300-400m," crediting his financial boost to deals made while he was still locked up "I'm signing contracts in prison."

Reflecting on his time behind bars, Tyson shared that he initially struggled with the respect he received from fellow inmates: "They [other inmates] were showing me respect but I was a jerk. I had to realise after going in the hole and fighting with the guards that there has to be a better way."

The negative impacts of his behaviour became apparent as Tyson recognised, "It added more time to my sentence and I said 'there has to be a better way'. So I learned how to move and respect everybody because they wanted to be king to me, but I wasn't accepting their kindness."

Transitioning from a place of bitterness to one of understanding, Tyson finally found equilibrium: "I was too bitter and so I learned how to give respect and get respect. It was brilliant after that."

he explained, as reported by the Mirror.

Tyson is making a sensational return to the ring at 58, as he prepares for an exhibition bout against YouTube star Jake Paul, scheduled for November 15 and set to be streamed live on Netflix. Despite the age difference, Tyson remains unfazed, stating: "I don't think I'm 58. Do you think I feel 58 when I'm fighting these young n****** in the gym, and they're bashing me them big strong mother*******, and I'm bashing them back,".

He further dismissed concerns about his age, saying: "He's supposed to be the young guy, I'm supposed to be the old man. He's a younger man, he should be able to handle punches from an old withering man like me. Listen, you can't compare me with other people my age because other people my age haven't been training as long, consistently as me."

Tyson also added: "I'm just a different species of human being, I think because I'm very active in what I do. I don't sit around and do nothing. It's going to be a wonderful evening, the city of Dallas is going to be entertained."