He’s used to speaking with his fists and still wakes up thinking about the gym. At 59, Mike Tyson looks calmly into the camera and explains why his life is still measured in rounds. In this conversation, “Iron Mike” reflects on a talk with his son, the money dynamics of a mature age, recalls his most recent meeting with Jake Paul, and confirms plans for an exhibition bout with Floyd Mayweather.
“Dad, Why Do You Do This?” — The Conversation That Hit Home
— Mike, you mentioned your son asked you about this. What did you tell him?
— He really did come up and ask, “Why do you keep stepping into the ring?” I went silent for a second — not because I didn’t know the answer, but because it’s a question that goes straight to the heart. I told him, simply: I do what I do best. When you’ve spent your whole life speaking one language — the language of boxing — you don’t switch to another. It’s not stubbornness; it’s my nature.
“I Have to Box” — When a Craft Becomes Destiny
— So it isn’t just about adrenaline and the training routine?
— Adrenaline lasts a second. Discipline, the schedule, sparring sessions, the weigh-in — that’s life. For me, boxing isn’t an attempt to relive my youth. It’s an obligation to myself. I’m a former undisputed heavyweight champion, and even when I’m not cutting weight or chasing belts, I remain a fighter. Some people play golf; I answer the bell.
Money After Fifty: The Paradox of a Late Career
— You’ve said that after 50 you earned more than in your 20s. How is that possible?
— It sounds strange, but it’s true. After fifty I had very few bouts — around four. But the industry changed: events, rights, broadcasts, the numbers. When your name still draws interest, the math does the rest. Money isn’t motivation No. 1, but it adds up better when you already know exactly what you’re doing.
“Lost — So What?” — On the Jake Paul Fight
— Last November the judges awarded Paul a unanimous decision. What did you take from that night?
— First of all — honesty. The scorecards don’t always tell the whole story, but a unanimous decision is a fact. I accepted it, broke the rounds down, and moved on. My professional record is 50–7–2. Those numbers are history, but they don’t stop me from working on the present. A loss isn’t a reason to take the gloves off; it’s a reason to lace them tighter.
Looking Ahead: Mayweather and the Rules of the Show
— Spring 2026. Can you confirm: an exhibition against Floyd Mayweather?
— Yes, that’s what we’re aiming for. It’s exactly an exhibition — a spectacular format where sport and show go side by side. Floyd has his rhythm, and I have my own pressure style. I understand the audience’s expectations and my responsibility to my own name. We’ll give fans what they love about boxing: clean technique, timing, and character.
What Drives Me Today: Discipline, Not Nostalgia
— In one sentence: why are you still here?
— Because I don’t play at boxing — I live it. As long as my body listens and my head demands work, I’ll train, sign contracts, and step under the lights. Some will call it stubbornness. I call it being honest with myself.
Mike Tyson remains a figure who explains a fight not with words but with his presence. His path isn’t a museum of a legend, but a continuing conversation with the ring. And it looks like that dialogue isn’t over yet.
