Mike Tyson, during his boxing prime, was seen as an unstoppable force inside the ring. He became boxing’s youngest heavyweight champion at 20 years old and, not long after becoming a legal adult, was on top of the sports world.

Despite being decades past his physical prime, Tyson went the full distance with Jake Paul in his recent boxing return in November, falling by unanimous decision. While many quarrelled with the ethics of the fight itself, Tyson proved he still wields the signature toughness that made him one of the most feared men in the world.

In 1986, after Tyson offered a zoo $10,000 to fight a Silverback Gorilla, his proposition was declined, to no surprise. But almost 40 years since that proposal, Tyson discussed the potential showdown in weighing in on one of the internet’s hotly-contested hypotheticals.

Mike Tyson weighs in on ‘100 Prime Tysons vs. Gorilla’ debate

In recent weeks, the debate over who would win in a fight between 100 men and a Gorilla has taken the internet by storm. Top combat sports stars such as Daniel Cormier, Eddie Hall, and Conor McGregor have been approached with the hypothetical scrap.

A typical Silverback Gorilla weighs approximately 430 lbs (195 kg), making a fight with the animal an almost insurmountable proposal. But that didn’t stop Tyson in 1986, and during his prime, Tyson had a lot of reasons to feel confident.

Tyson captured the boxing world by winning his first 37 professional fights, including vicious knockouts over notable names such as Larry Holmes, Michael Spinks, and Trevor Berbick. After a four-year absence due to legal issues between 1991 and 1995, Tyson returned to the ring, stopping Peter McNeeley in just under two minutes.

During a recent interview with The Ring, Tyson was asked how 100 of him in his prime would match up with a Gorilla.

“The Gorilla’s in a lot of trouble, so much f—– trouble,” Tyson said.

Some boxing fans agreed with Tyson’s claim.

“Mate, 100 prime Mike Tysons might beat a few Gorillas I can’t lie. I swear I’m not trolling…this MFer tried to PAY a zoo dude to let him scrap a gorilla. Fearless, ferocious monster in his prime,” one fan wrote.

“That’s a lot of pain, man,” another said.

“With Cus training the 100 Prime Tysons the Gorilla has no chance.”

“He’s not kidding. He actually wanted to fight one 1v1 in his prime, so he wouldn’t be scared. 100 of him would tear that poor gorilla apart.”

UFC star Cory Sandhagen set to mimic Mike Tyson ritual before UFC Des Moines

Ahead of his return at UFC Des Moines this weekend, UFC bantamweight headliner Cory Sandhagen revealed he plans to copy a Tyson-held ritual before his main event bout with Deiveson Figueiredo.

Sandhagen revealed he took a heavy dose of psychedelic mushrooms just weeks before UFC Des Moines to clear his mind in his final fight preparations. This was a common ritual that Tyson held during his boxing career, including for his legendary showdowns with the likes of Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis.

It remains to be seen if Sandhagen’s big gamble will pay off this weekend, but in either case, Tyson continues to be a massive influence in combat sports.

At the height of his career, Mike Tyson was the most formidable heavyweight on the planet.

‘Iron’ Mike was just 20-years-old when he became world heavyweight champion for the first time, knocking Trevor Berbick out in the 2nd-round of their 1986 showdown to capture the WBC heavyweight title and become the youngest heavyweight champion of all time.

He would go on to add the WBA and IBF titles to his collection with respective victories over James Smith and Tony Tucker, achieving undisputed status just a month after his 21st birthday.

Tyson was beaten by Buster Douglas in a sensational upset at the beginning of 1990, but he would go on to reclaim the WBC crown when he beat British boxing legend Frank Bruno six years later.

Whilst speaking on Larry King Live, ‘Iron’ Mike gave an honest assessment of his 1996 battle with Evander Holyfield, which he claims would have had a different outcome if he had fought ‘The Real Deal’ during his prime.

“To be honest, the way I’ve been, those guys know I sleep, I lose interest sometimes and things happen in my life and I lose my incentives, and these guys slip by they get wins here and there, but they know truly if they ever could assess me at my best or if I fought them at their best, they don’t stand a chance.”

Tyson suffered an eleventh round stoppage defeat to Holyfield, surrendering his WBA heavyweight title to ‘The Real Deal’. A rematch took place just a number of months later, although it ended with a disqualification after ‘Iron’ Mike sensationally bit the ears of his fierce rival during the third round, forcing the referee to call a halt to the infamous ‘Bite Fight’ at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The former heavyweight champion of the world is putting the City Beautiful in his corner.

Mike Tyson bought two condo units in the Ritz-Carlton Residences Orlando Grande Lakes for a combined $4.5 million from an entity tied to Unicorp National Developments, which owns the property, in deals which closed Feb. 25, according to a deed filed with Orange County.

Mike Tyson didn’t just fight—he overwhelmed, he intimidated, he devoured. Before the first punch was ever thrown, before the bell even rang, he had already won half the battle. The black trunks. The silent walk to the ring. The cold, dead-eyed stare. It was all part of the act—except it wasn’t an act at all.
And then there was the glove bite.It wasn’t for show, and it wasn’t just some quirky pre-fight ritual. It was raw instinct, a signal to himself and the world that he was ready to go to war. The question is: why?
Why Mike Tyson Bit His Gloves
Mike Tyson never gave a detailed explanation for why he did it, but it was something he did before nearly every fight. He’d stand in the corner, shifting his weight, chewing down on his gloves like a predator about to pounce. It wasn’t superstition. It wasn’t routine. It was something deeper.In his memoir Undisputed Truth, Tyson talked about his mindset before fights: “When I go in the ring, I’m a god. No one can beat me. That’s how I think.”

This was a man who didn’t just want to win—he wanted to dominate. His former trainer, Teddy Atlas, once said, “Mike always had this need to convince himself he was a monster before a fight.”
That switch had to be flipped. The stare-downs, the walkouts, the sheer stillness before the chaos—it was all part of stepping into a mindset where hesitation didn’t exist. The glove bite? That was just another piece of it.

Of course, when people think of Tyson and biting, they don’t think of his gloves. They think of June 28, 1997.The rematch with Evander Holyfield was already heated. Tyson had lost their first fight and was frustrated by what he saw as repeated headbutts. In the third round, he snapped.The first bite was bad. The second was worse. A piece of Holyfield’s ear hit the canvas. Tyson was disqualified, his boxing license revoked, and a $3 million fine followed.

Ever wondered what it would be like to sit down with one of your favorite celebrities and get a peek into their world? To hear their thoughts, gain a bit of wisdom, or discover their favorite things firsthand? Well, here’s your chance!

Mike Tyson is known worldwide for his prowess in the ring, but outside of boxing, he’s a man of surprising tastes and interests. In this candid Q&A, the former heavyweight champion shares a lighter side of his personality, diving into his favorite foods, go-to beverages, and hobbies that bring him joy. From unexpected culinary preferences to how he unwinds in his free time, Tyson gives us a glimpse into his life beyond the spotlight.

• When you’re in the mood for a drink, what is your beverage of choice?

I love homemade Raspberry Zinger tea with agave. When I’m out, I’ll order a mocktail that consists of ginger ale and cranberry juice.

•  Do you have a go-to restaurant you love to frequent and what is your favorite item on the menu?

I love Catch. Everything on the menu is good, but I can’t get enough of their vegan spaghetti entree. I also like old school Pierro’s and always order the garbage caesar salad.

•  Of all the places you’ve been, which one is a destination you would want to go back to time and time again? 

I really love Saint Barts and the south of France. My daughter trains in the south of France and we frequent it often. It’s just such an awesome place.

• If you were rating the hotels you’ve stayed at, which one would receive a rave review and why?

Hands down, the Waldorf Astoria in Beverly Hills. The service is unmatched and since they know me so well, they always make my stay extra special. It feels like my home away from home.

• What is your favorite home-cooked meal?

My wife cooks seafood dishes all the time. Her spaghetti with mussels and scallops in a garlic, basil and marinara sauce is my absolute favorite dish.

• Plane, train, boat, or car – what is your favorite mode of transportation?

If the ride is short enough, I prefer being driven around in my Sprinter van. It’s comfortable and private.

• . What song could you listen to on repeat and never get sick of it?

If you ask my wife, there are a few of them. It depends on what kind of mood I’m in, but lately it’s been Phyllis Hyman’s “I Don’t Want to Lose You.”

• What is one of your favorite quotes and why does it resonate with you?

“Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth,” quoted by me. This statement is a great metaphor for life. We all have a plan and then life kicks our ass a little bit, forcing us to come up with a new plan or shift things around a bit. It’s character building 101.

•  When it comes to satisfying your sweet tooth, what is your dessert of choice?

If I’m being fancy, key lime pie. But I usually crave Blue Bell’s cookies and cream ice cream.

• What’s an experience at the top of your bucket list that you can’t wait to check off?

You know, I’m not really a bucket list kind of guy. I already feel like I have lived more than nine lives. What’s most important to me now is making quality time for my family and just being present. So, my bucket list is to live in the here and now, making the most of every moment.

•  What is your favorite pastime?

Being in my bird coop, of course.

•  What is your favorite animal and why?

Pigeons are my favorite but specifically pedigree bloodlines of rolling pigeons. When I was younger, I used to like flying them and watching them roll out of the sky. As I’ve grown, I really love the breeding process. I have connected with the kings of the pigeon world and have quite a bloodline. I’m looking forward to participating in an international competition soon.

•  What is your all-time favorite movie? Can you share a memorable quote, character or storyline from it?

You might be surprised, but my taste in movies varies and I’ll watch anything from Gladiator to The Notebook.

•  Who is your favorite travel companion and why?

My wife and kids. I absolutely love being with my family. We get each other’s humor and it’s just always great being in their company.

Wrapping up our conversation with Mike Tyson, it’s clear that the man behind the legend is as multifaceted as he is iconic. From his candid reflections to his lighthearted insights on food, drinks, and pastimes, Tyson is a testament to resilience, growth, and the importance of enjoying life’s simple pleasures. At the end of the day, we’re reminded that even the most formidable champions have a human side—one filled with stories, passions, and a genuine love for living.

Mike Tyson has singled out his ‘smartest’ opponent from a career that featured wins over Larry Holmes, Frank Bruno and Evander Holyfield.

Iron Mike, who became the youngest heavyweight champion of the world in 1986 at the age of 20, will go down as one of the all-time greats.

In total, the New York-born fighter took part in 58 professional bouts between 1985 and 2005, where he recorded 50 wins and just six defeats.

He often displayed unrivalled power and speed, with his impressive record of 44 victories via knockout being a testament to Tyson’s relentless style.

But which one of his opponents was the smartest?

Buster Douglas shocked the world with a 10th-round knockout of Tyson in 1990, while Lennox Lewis recorded a famous KO win against “the Baddest Man on the Planet” in 2002.

However, former heavyweight champion Larry Holmes was Tyson’s stand-out opponent when it came to ring intelligence.

After the pair came to blows in 1988 when Tyson was just 21, Iron’ Mike emerged victorious with a fourth-round knockout, inflicting a third straight defeat for the long-time heavyweight champion.

When previously asked to name the smartest he came up against, the 58-year-old told The Ring: “Larry Holmes was the smartest of all. It comes with being a champion for seven years.”

Tyson went on to name Holmes as having the best defence, adding: “Even though I did win inside the distance, he was very tough to hit cleanly.”