Nomatter what you feel about Mike Tyson personally, and people seem to have very strong opinions and judgments when it comes to him, if you’re a fan, this is a must see film.
Being a past fan, I’ll admit I’d seen a lot of the footage they showed in the documentary. What pulled me in was his brutal honesty.
In this documentary, we’re given a glimpse of a new and improved Mike Tyson. He’s completely cellophane about his demons throughout his career that took him from being the youngest heavy weight champ, with an estimated worth of $300 million – to complete ruin.
When he spoke of his marriage to Robin Givens I was choked up. He explains they were too young to be married and their relationship was constantly under media scrutiny. You could see in his eyes how much he loved her, making the statement, “I wanted to stay in touch with her. They (media) were saying things about me and calling her a gold-digger.”
He spoke of the 1991 rape against then Miss Black America pageant contestant Desiree Washington, whom he referred to as, “that wretched woman.” To this day, he denies the charges. He was sentenced to six years and released after three.
He talks about his irresponsibility in the incident with Evander Holyfield and not training when he fought Buster Douglas and lost his title. He openly admits that his last fight was strictly for survival. He did it for the money. “I needed to survive. I’ve lost the will to fight.”
Sometimes tearful, sometimes remorseful – Mike Tyson is definitely dealing with the demons of his past. What’s next for Mike Tyson? He’s working that out day by day.
3 Comments
June 9, 2009 at 8:46 am
I’ve heard from some people how good this doc was. I’m looking forward to seeing it in wide spread release. It wasn’t in my area. His marriage to Robin Givens was marred by the media and I never believed he raped the young woman. I believe she was being an opportunist. What woman goes to a hotel room at 2 a.m. That’s water under the bridge now. Tyson may be reconciling his demons but he’ll always be the best fighter this world will know. Perhaps its ca case of too much two soon.
June 21, 2009 at 5:01 pm
I haven’t really taken an interest in the boxing “arena” but I am somewhat familiar with the former heavyweight champion, Mike Tyson. Thank you for your well written post reviewing his documentary that is soon to air. Due to your review I have gathered a new interest in this man’s story and the journey that he continues to walk. I anticipate the documentary in hopes to find out where he gathers his inner strength. I’m not preoccupied with “championship titles” but rather in the overcomer whose greatest legacy is to show that you can get knocked down, but the strength is in standing up. Thanks again for sharing!
October 17, 2009 at 10:32 pm
I rented the documentary Tyson and I know what you mean. He was real honest. He’s lucky to be alive because he was living on the edge during his entire career.