In a recent appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, boxing legend Mike Tyson shared his candid thoughts on why he’s hesitant to encourage his kids to follow in his footsteps and pursue a career in boxing. Tyson’s remarks shed light on the harsh realities of the sport and the potential long-term consequences for its practitioners.
When discussing his son’s interest in boxing, Tyson warned Rogan about the dangers of the sport, saying, “I did that. That’s why I did it if I didn’t have to.”
Tyson’s concerns stem from his own experiences as a young boxer, where he was often bribed with rewards for winning tournaments. As he recalled, “Everything, everything, he always… Dangle the carrot. Yeah. If you win this tournament, I’ll do this. But if I didn’t win the tournament, I didn’t get the s*it.”
Tyson’s comments highlight the ruthless nature of the boxing world, where success is often tied to monetary rewards rather than personal fulfillment. He cautioned that boxers often have nothing to lose and are driven by desperation, stating, “There’s people out there that have nothing to lose. Their whole dream is about if I beat this guy, I’ll get that new bike. Yeah. I might get this car.”
The boxing legend’s words serve as a stark reminder of the sacrifices required to succeed in the sport. Tyson’s experiences have clearly had a lasting impact on him, leading him to want to shield his children from the same pitfalls.
Tyson’s comments have sparked a wider conversation about the implications of encouraging children to pursue careers in high-risk sports. As the boxing world continues to grapple with issues of safety and athlete welfare, Tyson’s words serve as a timely reminder of the importance of prioritizing the well-being of young athletes.
Much like Tyson, Khabib Nurmagomedov also wasn’t interested in seeing his kids pursue a career in martial arts however he did say he would try and help if they expressed the desire themselves.
In the end, Tyson’s harsh honesty about the boxing world serves as a cautionary tale for parents and youngsters alike, highlighting the need for careful consideration before embarking on a career in a high-stakes sport like boxing.