The lesser-known story of a compassionate Mike Tyson
“The Baddest Man on the Planet,” Mike Tyson, known for his ferocious and intimidating fighting style, once quietly visited a children’s cancer hospital and banned all cameras or recording devices.
The youngest heavyweight boxing champion of all time, Mike Tyson, was famous for his aggressive and fearsome demeanor in the ring. However, according to his former manager Shelly Finkel, Tyson was a kind-hearted and considerate person.
Finkel revealed, “When we were in Arizona, ‘Iron Mike’ asked us to take him to a children’s cancer hospital. When we arrived, there were many paparazzi following. Mike straight up told me that he didn’t want to see them at the hospital. He didn’t want the children to become subjects of the media. It was another side of Mike that people didn’t understand. He could be wild in the ring, but he was caring and humorous.”
Mike Tyson had a long-standing relationship with Shelly Finkel, starting from his amateur boxing days. They first collaborated in 1988 when Finkel brokered a record-breaking pay-per-view deal for Tyson’s fight against Michael Spinks.
After Tyson’s infamous ear-biting incident against Evander Holyfield in 1997, Finkel became Tyson’s full-time manager. Finkel took Tyson around the world in an effort to revive his career, with stops in England, Scotland, and even Denmark. And Tyson’s fame spread throughout Europe.
Finkel worked with Mike Tyson until his final professional fight, a devastating loss against Kevin McBride. Finkel recalls, “In that last fight, when I was in the dressing room with Mike, he told me that he had absolutely no confidence in that fight. And so, it happened as it did.”
While Mike Tyson gained fame as a fearsome boxer, there is a lesser-known side to him that reveals his compassion and generosity. Despite his tough exterior, Tyson has shown acts of kindness that have touched the lives of many.
One such story involves a young boy named Destiny Washington. Destiny was suffering from a life-threatening illness and had expressed his wish to meet his idol, Mike Tyson. Word reached Tyson, and without hesitation, he arranged a private meeting with the young boy.
Tyson spent several hours with Destiny, talking, sharing stories, and even engaging in a friendly boxing match, all to bring a smile to the young boy’s face. He presented Destiny with autographed gloves, photos, and other memorabilia, leaving a lasting impression on the young fan and his family.
Furthermore, Tyson has been actively involved in various charitable causes throughout his life. He has supported organizations focused on providing aid to underprivileged communities, assisting individuals with substance abuse recovery, and helping children facing adversity.
Despite his own personal struggles, Tyson has shown empathy and understanding towards others facing hardships. He has used his platform to raise awareness and funds for causes close to his heart, leveraging his influence to make a positive impact on society.
These acts of kindness and philanthropy may not receive the same attention as his boxing career, but they highlight a side of Mike Tyson that many are unaware of. Beyond the ring, he has demonstrated a genuine concern for the well-being of others and a willingness to use his resources to make a difference in the lives of those in need.
