In a recent sit-down with Ring Magazine, Mike Tyson did not hold back when the conversation turned to Floyd Mayweather’s reported financial troubles, and in doing so, turned the spotlight on his own complicated history with wealth.
When asked about Mayweather’s well-publicized money woes, Tyson put things in perspective with his trademark directness.
“Floyd is bankrupt with like what? A hundred million bucks? So, that’s his bankruptcy. You know what I mean? If he only has a hundred million dollars left, that’s bankrupt to him.”
Tyson, who earned hundreds of millions throughout his historic career, acknowledged that burning through massive wealth is easier than most people imagine.
“You burn through it and people steal some, too. Just like Floyd. You work for everything you have, but you never have everything you work for.”
But it was what came next that produced the most candid moment of the interview. When the host pointed out that Tyson had a well-known habit of giving things away, including the time he gifted a Rolls-Royce to police officers, Tyson did not deflect.
“I gave away much of my money. That’s the real deal,” he said. Pressed further, Tyson doubled down. “I’m keeping it real with you, right? I gave away most of my money.”
The admission came with a rare laugh of self-awareness.
“I try to blame people, right?” Tyson said, acknowledging that pointing fingers at others for his financial losses was not the full picture.
For athletes still active in the sport, Tyson had straightforward advice on how to protect their earnings. “We have to find good lawyers. The only thing an athlete needs is a trainer and a lawyer. Nothing else.”
Tyson, who turned 60 last month, has spoken openly in the past about the financial mismanagement that plagued his post-prime years. At his peak, he was one of the highest-earning athletes in the world.
Today, he channels much of his energy into the Mike Tyson Invitational, an amateur boxing showcase he personally funds, making sure young athletes do not have to cover their own travel or expenses.
“It keeps me busy,” Tyson said of the venture. “It’s all about the history of the kid. Taking care of the kids, looking after them, making sure they don’t have to come out of their pockets for anything, because they’re the best figh ters in the world. They just don’t have the resources to travel.”
As for a potential payday match against Mayweather, Tyson confirmed he is still open to it.
“I’m just waiting to see what happens,” he said. “I could use the paycheck.”
