Mike Tyson says he’s given up more than marijuana while preparing for his fight against Jake Paul.
The former heavyweight champion also said he’s given up sex.
“Two and a half weeks I haven’t smoked,” Tyson said during an interview on The Damon Elliott Show. “And I haven’t had sex for 2½ weeks.”
A video of the undated interview was posted on YouTube on Saturday, ahead of a bout generating intense interest.
Tyson, 57, told Forbes his giving up marijuana and sex is connected with discipline as he prepares to face Paul, 27, in a bout scheduled for July 20 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
“I’m living my life disciplined now, so I’m going to have to fight disciplined now,” he said.
Tyson, during a 2018 TV interview, said he’d abstained from sex for about five years, apparently because he believed it would make him a better boxer.
“I’m an idiot, you know,” he told Graham Bensinger during the interview back then. “… I just went by what people told me.”
Tyson’s publicist told USA TODAY Sports the boxer was giving up marijuana to comply with rules in the fight with Paul. Marijuana is on the list of banned substances enforced by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, which oversees combat sports in Texas.
Mike Tyson disrobes – from waist up
During his professional boxing career, Tyson was well known for wearing black trunks. More recently, he’s gaining attention for what he’s not wearing.
In March, a week after his fight with Paul was announced, Tyson was shirtless and hurling a medicine ball against the ground in a video posted on his Instagram account. Earlier this month, photos of Tyson shirtless at a memorabilia show were posted on his Instagram account.
The caption on one of those photos read: “Yes I did go shirtless, to show you what you’re betting on.”
The phenomenon continued during his interview on The Damon Elliott Show. This time Tyson blamed the lack of air conditioning as he took off his shirt – and took pride in his physique.
“It’s just an unbelievable situation at this particular moment,” the boxer said with a smile. “Mike Tyson at 58 looks like an Adonis superstar.”
Tyson will turn 58 on June 30.
Mike Tyson says friends, family a problem
The interview with Damon Elliott took an unexpected turn when Tyson was asked if preparing for the fight is nerve-wracking.
“No,” Tyson replied, “I said, ‘Wow, how many friends am I going to lose or family members are going to turn on me now?'”
Because they all want the freebies, Elliott asked.
“No, they get them anyway, but they’re still going to hate me anyway,” Tyson said. “I’m going to give them everything and they’re still going to say, ‘(expletive) you. I hate you.'”
“I can handle my enemies,” Tyson continued. “But, God, please protect me from my family and friends. I can handle my enemies. Enemies are no problem. I just got my family and my friends that are just kinda a small complication.”
Tyson suggested the problem stemmed from his being in the spotlight.
“It’s always been shining on me,” he said. “The darker I was, the more it shined.”
News
Becky Lynch: The DNA of a Champion! 🏆 Watch Now:
Becky Lynch, the “Man” of WWE, has become a force to be reckoned with, captivating audiences with her fierce attitude and relentless pursuit of victory. Her career trajectory has been marked by a unique blend of charisma, determination, and a…
Nate Diaz vs. Jake Paul: A Fight So Crazy, It’s Going Viral! 🤯 Tap to Watch Now
The boxing match between Nate Diaz and Jake Paul has ignited a firestorm of controversy, with boxing enthusiasts divided on the potential outcome and the legitimacy of the fight. The fight poses a compelling clash of styles, with Diaz’s seasoned…
“The REAL Reason Ronda Rousey Was Called ‘A B*tch and Poor Sport’ in MMA! 🤯 Link in the comments to find out what really went down!
Ten years ago, on this day, Ronda Rousey and Miesha Tate went up against each other in their highly anticipated rematch at UFC 168 in December 2013. While Tate escaped two submission attempts in the first two rounds, Rousey ultimately…
“The SHOCKING Reason Why Ronda Rousey Abandoned Boxing for WWE!
Ebanie Bridges wants to fight Ronda Rousey. The IBF female bantamweight champion has called out the UFC icon for a big-money boxing match. The 37 year old is set to return to the ring next month after a year-long break, facing fellow Aussie Avril…
Ronda Rousey’s Shocking Comeback Plan Revealed! What Will She Do This Year?
No idiom fits the WWE better than ‘There is more to it than meets the eye’. Because what we see as fans on screen is only the tip of the iceberg. There are so many things that happen backstage that…
Is Ronda Rousey’s Technique the Secret to Her Legendary Status in MMA? 🥋🔥
UFC women’s bantamweight Mayra Bueno Silva has urged Ronda Rousey to return to MMA. Rousey is considered a pioneer of women’s MMA and was undoubtably one of the UFC’s biggest stars during her run as the bantamweight champion. ‘Rowdy’ defended…
End of content
No more pages to load