When it comes to stepping into the boxing ring, former heavyset champion Mike Tyson is game for an exhibition match.
But when it comes to his kids showing interest in the violent sport his enthusiasm is the complete opposite. Tyson has seven children, four daughters and three sons, and of them one has expressed hid interest in gloving up and throwing down in the ring.
“I have my kid, the older one, he’s 24 [Amir Tyson], he just wants to do this so bad,” explained the 55 year-old on his podcast “Hotboxin’ With Mike Tyson.” “Just chill the f—k out. He wants to fight Logan Paul and those guys.”
Paul, a YouTube-star-turned-boxer, has enthusiastically expressed his desire to take on “Iron Mike.” “You can’t tell me I can’t beat Mike Tyson! He’s old, old,” Paul said on the “Impaulsive Podcast” in June of this year. Having already taken on Floyd “Money” Mayweather, the 24 year-old has been chomping at the bit to continue building his name in the ring.
But if Tyson has it his way, Amir will never set foot inside a ring. Knowing the obvious dangers and pressure of professional boxing, Tyson would prefer if his son chose a more traditional career, one that comes without beatdowns and heartaches.
“I said, ‘Just get a job, get a real estate license. Just chill out, man. Why can’t you take advantage of your lightweight wealthiness?’” said Mike while speaking on the matter with co-host Henry Cejudo and special guest middleweight champion David Benavidez on July 28.
At the age of 20 Tyson made history as the youngest heavyweight champion. He was formerly regarded as “the Most Dangerous Man on the Planet” with his record of victories and knockouts. But with that notoriety came some unremarkable highs and subsequent lows. Those valleys of not being best or being viewed as a monster is in part why Tyson doesn’t want his son to follow in his footsteps.
“You don’t want none of that heat, man, I’m telling you. This drives people to commit suicide, getting humiliated in front of millions of people. You gotta be able to take that pressure. Not many people can do it, man.”
