
“THIS is not a tough man’s world; it’s a thinking man’s world.” So tweeted Mike Tyson recently with words to live by from a man who knows.
The third act of Mike Tyson’s life has been fascinating to watch. From harrowing times that have included a very ugly divorce from Robin Givens, excessive cocaine use, the frittering away of his fortune, being convicted and imprisoned for rape, and plus and perhaps most notably the accidental death of his four-year-old daughter Exodus in 2009, Tyson has re-emerged to attain the status of entrepreneur with his cannabis farm and brand in California, boxing guru with his Instagram videos of him teaching the sweet science, podcaster, broadcaster and public speaker. He’s even taken part in an exhibition bout with fellow ring legend Roy Jones Jr.
So, yes, the former heavyweight champion’s life has been a study in redemption and reinvention. However not everybody is impressed. In a recent Guardian piece on Tyson, Frank Warren, who once promoted Mike Tyson in the UK — and who was once physically assaulted by him — left no doubt when it comes to what he thinks about the man: ‘“He is a compelling character, and he’s one of those fellas who gets you to feel that he’s misunderstood but, when you get into it, he is what he is, which is a thug and a bully and a misogynist.”

In recently published book Baddest Man, Mark Kriegel revisits the Faustian pact at the heart of Mike Tyson’s rise and the emotional fallout that followed, writes JOHN WIGHT

As we mark the anniversaries of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings, JOHN WIGHT reflects on the enormity of the US decision to drop the atom bombs

From humble beginnings to becoming the undisputed super lightweight champion of the world, Josh Taylor’s career was marked by fire, ferocity, and national pride, writes JOHN WIGHT

Mary Kom’s fists made history in the boxing world. Malak Mesleh’s never got the chance. One story ends in glory, the other in grief — but both highlight the defiance of women who dare to fight, writes JOHN WIGHT