Mike Tyson Opens Up About Mental Health Struggles and Battle with Addiction

Mike Tyson poses at a red carpet event.

Photo Cred: Harry How

By: Joshua Martin

Known as one of the most dominant athletes the world has ever seen, Mike Tyson’s journey to the top was notoriously filled with adversity and controversy. The 58-year-old former two time Heavyweight boxing champion left an unforgettable mark on the sport of boxing, his combination of power, speed and intensity made him one of the more memorable figures in boxing history.

In a recent interview with Loaded Magazine, The World Boxing Hall of Fame inductee opened up about his struggles with drug addiction and how the experience has shaped his personal outlook on life.

“I still have struggles with my mental well being but thankfully I have better tools. I’ve learned a lot over the years from being a former drug addict. I understand my triggers and why I self sabotage. ”

— Mike Tyson, Loaded Magazine

Later in the interview, Tyson opened about his testosterone usage, while attacking the stigma placed around the hormone. Adding that an insufficient level of the hormone has been shown to alter one’s mind-state and emotions. 

“I think many people want to blame others for their problems without realising they are a part of their own story and they can redirect their life at any time. But that’s only possible if you’re honest with yourself about how you got to where you are now.”

— Mike Tyson, Loaded Magazine

Currently, Tyson is preparing for his highly-anticipated boxing match against YouTube sensation Jake Paul. Despite numerous delays and false starts, the bout is scheduled to be held on Nov. 15th at AT&T stadium in Arlington, Texas. The match will also be streamed globally on Netflix.

“I think there is this misconception that if men take testosterone it’s because physically there is something wrong with them. But from the age of 30, I don’t care how healthy you are, your testosterone levels drop. This affects more than just your physicality, it also affects your mood. Getting a testosterone plan as you age should be as normal for a man as taking a daily supplement in my opinion, because it does so much to stabilize the body and mind.”

— Mike Tyson, Loaded Magazine

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Gervonta Davis Invests In Rebuilding of Former Baltimore Neighborhood

Gervonta Davis in the ring against Rolando Romero - Getty Images

By: Omar Cook

BALTIMORE — On Thursday, city officials revealed during a press conference that boxer Gervonta "Tank" Davis is actively contributing to the revitalization of the West Baltimore neighborhood where he grew up. Davis recently bought two buildings on Woodyear Street, which is just the beginning to building up his community.

“I definitely want to thank everybody that was included and helped us make this happen,” Davis said. “I feel as though when I was coming up, we didn’t have somebody to be hands-on with us.”

— Gervonta Davis

Aside from boxing, Davis has aspirations of investing into the youth in Baltimore and cites this as a major key to improving the city. The renovations will commence with the vacant building at 1542 North Woodyear Street. Nine other properties on the same block are set to be acquired and renovated by GTD Development, renovated, and eventually used to create affordable housing.  

Davis also received a City Council of Baltimore Presidential Citation from City Council member Nick Mosby. Mosby praised Davis for his mentorship efforts to the youth and his contributions to his community.

Boxer Gervonta Davis rehabbing block he grew up on

“Tank, when he goes around the world, he literally carries the city of Baltimore on his back,” Baltimore City Council President Nick Mosby said. “For you to come back, invest in your hometown, invest in your community, and invest in your block - is truly, truly special.”

— Nick Mosby

This is just the beginning for Davis as he plans to build more homes and safe recreational spaces. Davis using his platform and resources to reach back and help those in need is what we need to see from other well known figures. It’s great to see Davis not only killing it in the ring, but being a leader in the community as well.

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