The Woman Who Saved Mike Tyson’s Life: A Portrait
Mike Tyson, the boxing legend, is now enjoying a tranquil life following a journey filled with triumphs and challenges. At the center of his newfound stability is his current wife, Lakiha Spicer, who played a pivotal role in saving his life.
Prior to tying the knot with Lakiha Spicer, affectionately known as Kiki, Mike Tyson had been married twice before. His first marriage was to model Robin Givens in 1988, during which Tyson discovered her in bed with Brad Pitt. He then had a six-year marriage with Dr. Monica Turner.
Kiki’s initial encounter with Tyson occurred when she was just 18 years old, introduced to him by Don King following one of his fights. However, their romantic relationship didn’t commence until 2009, two weeks after the tragic passing of Tyson’s daughter, Exodus. It was during this time that they decided to embark on their journey of marriage.
In her past, Kiki faced legal consequences and received a six-month sentence in federal prison. The charges stemmed from her involvement in defrauding her father’s company of £60,000. Kiki had purported to be a teacher at Sister Clara Muhammad School, but allegations were made that she used the school as a vehicle for money laundering.
Prior to her incarceration, Kiki shared the news of her pregnancy with Tyson. He made a heartfelt promise, saying, “I will patiently await your release and stand by your side. I will be there for you and our child. From this point forward, I vow not to father any more children with others. I will inform them about you and let them know that I will return to you once you are free.”
Mike Tyson’s first wife, Robin Givens, caused him significant pain and suffering.
However, as the saying goes, promises are often easier said than done. Despite the initial pledge, Tyson’s separation from Kiki for six months led him back into the grip of addiction, indulging in drug use and engaging with other women. In December 2008, Kiki was released from prison and gave birth to their daughter, Milan.
While they hoped the arrival of their precious child would bring them a fresh start and happiness, Tyson was compelled to confront his addiction and seek rehabilitation. Throughout Tyson’s rehabilitation journey, Kiki faced the daunting task of raising their child single-handedly while grappling with financial hardships. Surprisingly, the former heavyweight boxing champion, who had amassed substantial wealth, found himself left with a mere $7,000 in his bank account, insufficient to support his wife and child.
Once Tyson completed rehab, he returned to live with Kiki and their daughter. However, his sobriety proved short-lived, relapsing within a mere two weeks. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Kiki felt compelled to find ways to keep her husband away from drugs. She tirelessly delved into various resources, driven by an unwavering determination to help her husband overcome this daunting challenge.
Following numerous cycles of relapse and recovery, Kiki made the difficult decision to bring Tyson back to rehab. In his autobiography, Tyson candidly expressed, “I pleaded with her for one last opportunity to rectify myself. Kiki agreed, and since then, I have remained free from drugs and alcohol.”
Having experienced a tumultuous journey that entailed the loss of fame and fortune, it was Kiki who stood steadfastly by Tyson’s side. In an interview with People magazine, Tyson openly expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am incredibly grateful to have met Kiki. I genuinely believe I would not have survived without her unwavering support.”
