Introspective Mike

I have fond memories from the late 80's of watching "Iron Mike" knock out opponents within the first few rounds, almost on a monthly basis. My roommate and I both knew that if we weren't in front of the TV when the bell sounded there was a strong chance we'd miss the fight.

Then Tyson went crazy, or maybe I should say crazier, and one of the most promising careers in boxing came tumbling down like a house of cards.

Now, 20 years later, Tyson is (or appears to be) a different man, no longer "Iron Mike", more like Introspective Mike in his own sordid way.

An interesting interview from Details, if you don't mind obscenities...

Details: Twenty years ago, you were one of the most famous men on the planet. Is there a big plan for Act 2?

Mike Tyson: The first stage of my life was just a whole bunch of selfishness. Just a whole bunch of gifts to myself and people who didn't necessarily deserve it. Now I'm 44, and I realize that my whole life is just a fucking waste. "Greatest man on the planet"? I wasn't half the man I thought I was. So if there's a big plan now, it's just to give—it's selflessness, caring for the people who deserve it...

Details: Never thought you'd make it to 40?

Mike Tyson: I never thought I'd make it to 25, man. People just gotta love each other, treat each other better. I don't know about the Zen stuff to transcend to. I still got that fire in my heart, and it just burns, man. I don't want to have any misconceptions here. I'm not a pacifist and never will be. I still get angry, and I still scream. I can talk about humility, but I'm not humble. I mean, if you say, "I'm humble," you've just contradicted yourself. But I'm trying to be, man, I'm trying so hard.

Update: Sports Illustrated also scored an interview with Tyson. I haven't read the full article yet but the "making of" video is pretty interesting...