History Bites: A Conversation with Mike Tyson

Mike Tyson is one of the greatest athletes in world history. The youngest heavyweight boxing champion of all time, he is also a bestselling author, Broadway star, businessman, movie actor, and founder of the charity organization the Mike Tyson Cares Foundation. He has been on top of the world and has also experienced hitting rock-bottom.
I had a chance to sit down with Mike in Florida for a conversation about his difficult childhood and his incredible mentors, career, and family. Along the way, he shared some extraordinary life lessons and wisdom. I hope you enjoy the interview!
You can learn more about Mike’s amazing life and his current work at the links below:
Biographical article: www.britannica.com/biography/...
Mike’s boxing achievements: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Ty...
Mike Tyson Cares Foundation: miketysoncares.org/
Mike’s clothing line: miketyson.com/
Special thanks to Mike (Iron Mike #1), Ms. Kiki, Armig, Sarah, my dad Mike (Iron Mike #2), my brother Judah (chalkboard guy), my mother Lisa, Carolyn, Mr. Brian, and Harvey. Soli Deo Gloria.
Image credits:
Mike with belts - Unknown
Mike on World Boxing - World Boxing
Mike on Broadway - Variety
Mike Tyson Cares Foundation - Mike Tyson Cares Foundation
Mike with cash - Google
Mike in jail - Getty & AFP
"Iron Mike" in the ring - The Washington Post
Holyfield's ear - The Sun
Mike Tyson and pigeons - Sports Illustrated
Bobby Stewart - Getty Images
Cus D'Amato - Daily Freeman
Mike hugging Cus - Copyright unknown
Cus's peek-a-boo style - Copyright unknown
Cus's house in background - Copyright unknown
Mike Tyson, Cus, and Camille - The Wall Street Journal
Mike entering ring - Getty Images
Tyson/Berbick - Copyright unknown
Mike at 20 on Sports Illustrated - Sports Illustrated
Pinklon Thomas - The Ring Magazine
Tyson vs Douglas - AP Images
Mike Tyson in cuffs - AFP
Mike Tyson with tiger 1 - Getty
Tyson with tiger 2 - Zookeeper
Mike & Lakiha Tyson - Getty
Epic of Gilgamesh - Penguin Classics
Please note: Rode® has not endorsed this video or licensed use of their products for its creation.
If you own the copyright to any images used in this video, please reach out to the email address in our About tab.

[@anthonysanto]

Michael Jordan wouldn’t have given this kid the time of day. This is why EVERYONE loves Tyson.

[@sdqsdq6274]

mj is a crap atititude guy , lol , used to be a fan

[@jerseykillabee]

Damn Rite! I love Mike my favorite

[@Jeronimus8090]

Mike Tyson is the peoples champ. He is very humble. Jordan is a complete jerk.

[@thoneybadger95]

Did Jordan say that?

[@jerseykillabee]

@@thoneybadger95 doesn't have to if Jordan is not in control of every detail its not happening thats why the last dance too so long and that guy is a somebody🤷🏿‍♂️

[@Gr33nFather]

This show you how big Tyson's heart is, he doesn't need this interview but he did it for the kid.

[@rajkhan9643]

So true. Mike must have liked Solomon's work and didn't care that he doesn't have many views or subscribers, to have joined.

[@lukecockburn1140]

That's pretty patronising He obviously doesn't need this for fame or otherwise But this guy is educated on subjects evidently valuable to mike that he doesn't know He's not doing it as charity to get this guy famous

[@blackbuddha7731]

Yeah that's dope

[@aircnc9385]

Kid? If that’s a kid.. ima Fucn infant.

[@perpetualmotion357]

@@TheOnlyIncognito Absolutely. This channel will probably be at 50k subs in no time😂

[@chicagonative1507]

Low budget interviews like this are always the realest ones

[@dylanmulroe9978]

19 years old? You’ve a bright future young man, one of the best interviews of Tyson I’ve ever seen, you’ve earned yourself a new subscriber in me

[@philipbalestrieri870]

By far

[@mongoose890]

Hope he’s not actually 19 because he looks and sounds 40

[@flameguy3416]

​@@mongoose890Jewish men mature quickly

[@johntrust6217]

222

[@JACK-OMARI]

​@@mongoose890 lmao I'm 20 and I thought he was older than me 😂

[@user-qc7hr4my7r]

Really impressed with the job this kid did interviewing Mike. He did his homework and asked some unique questions which I think is why Mike enjoyed himself.

[@user-ig4pu8tq7z]

💯 AGREE .. actually one of the BEST interviews I’ve ever seen given to Mike Tyson.

[@mst7155]

Wow: Mike has a great sense of humor!!!!! He said "History bites, you know what: I bite too". Mike is a great story teller too....

[@theodoreconstantini2548]

He is actually really bright.

[@daveyboy_]

Seen almost every interview with Mike. This one is awesome

[@Jesoteric]

Love all the details he pulled out of Mike , great job

[@MattyV1974]

My thoughts exactly.

[@user-fi4dw2oc3i]

I second that! :)

[@Markooboy]

Mike is so humble. You are blessed to have had this opportunity to interview him. Thanks for a great interview!!

[@daniel_najar]

"Don't run away from fear. The devil wants you run from fear. That's when he's winning. Face fear. You'll never lose when you face fear. When you can stop being afraid of fear the devils gonna pick on someone else" Mike Tyson

[@venicec3310]

Mike is a true warrior poet

[@johnhoy7572]

19 years old, you've managed to snag one of the best ever Tyson interviews. Your questions were excellent, you allowed him space and time to talk. You weren't afraid of a micro pause either which is something way beyond your years. Very impressive

[@intothewild5045]

Yeah great job the new Louis thoeurx

[@ekozelnik762]

Tru 👍

[@aissacherif4461]

"When stop beimg afraid if fear, the devil will pick on someone else" - Mike Tyson. True legend

[@steliosc.4686]

I thought i couldn't like Tyson more than i already do. And then i came across this interview. He gave this kid an hour that he will never forget, treated him like a father and probably gave him the boost that anybody needs to follow their dreams. And this kid did an amazing job.

[@mindyobidness86]

I get emotional when Mike talks about Cus sometimes. The respect, love and admiration he had for him is just perfect.

[@LutherMahoney]

7 years ago i was in Sky Harbor Airport in AZ waiting for a flight and Mike Tyson was walking through the airport with his assistant behind him crafting his luggage and EVERYONE moved to either side to let Mike walk through the terminal. People just stared at him with awe and a Mike was just oblivious to everyone.

[@Eli-from-Boston.]

One of the best interviews Mike did! I loved it !!. It’s sad and wonderful and the same time

[@NotOnDrugs]

I do too, simply because I had a mentor that was my baseball coach. Had offers from 4 colleges & had 1 semester left in my senior year.......except, I went flying out the windshield of a truck & snapped my femur in 3 places. Sucked lol

[@luisedgar8840]

Agreed, no stupid questions

[@Ibrahim-vr8rm]

What about this interview did you find sad?

[@moisescordero2615]

How is this the best Mike Tyson interview I've ever seen. This kid is special.

[@TeamEzwaty]

What an honour to watch such a rare interview

[@thoneybadger95]

Every time Mike held his hand out for a homey moment I felt fear in myself and for the kid

[@dantag5195]

😆....he told him don't run from fear.

[@MainStreamLoserz]

This needs more views. Such a raw and unfiltered interview and he was so honest about everything and this guy was 19. That’s an achievement.

[@allaboutwwe9269]

Lol what do you mean it’s got 100k in 2 weeks on a low sub count channel. I’ll get there to million views in a months time

[@MainStreamLoserz]

@@allaboutwwe9269 either way it definitely still needs and deserves more views than what it has. My statement still stands. It’s a great video.

[@charliehay1520]

​@@MainStreamLoserzthe absolute best Tyson interview ou there..this guy knows how to talk to people and gives respect to the people he interviews..I look forward to hearing more...

[@jettfuelfitness]

What a great interview. So many podcasts these days like to set things up as professionally as possible, desks, headphones, a specifically designed podcast / interview room. I've got to say, I appreciate the more casual atmosphere just sitting back on the couch. It's almost uncanny to see such a famous figure like Mike doing an interview in this setting. Solomon did a great job with the questions as well, a good mix of prepared material and riffing.

[@Marshmallow001p]

Mike Tyson is my favorite person of all time

[@gen-zeke-8571]

Person comes from the word "persona" which is like acting, or being fake. Are you saying he's a genuine fake? Huh?! HUH?!?!

[@baz9438]

This was the best ever pod cast. Mr Tyson was so humble and honest.

[@mjmcg73]

26:27 greatest moment of interview

[@stevex8409]

It's so good to see Mike happy and finally at peace with his life. For all his accomplishments in the ring, that is Mike Tyson's greatest win.

[@Kman-jm9no]

27:00 was really a profound moment. That advice could apply to anyone, about moments when you feel like you can’t go on. Really good to hear that.

[@sandrost4243]

What hidden gem did the algorithm just bless me with? I did not expect to see Mike freaking Tyson sitting on a couch with an interviewer this young, but this was a real treat.

[@bobonwumere1808]

Awesome quote: "we are all passing through, don't try to conquer the world" - Mike Tyson

[@yeahyeah561]

Mike Tyson is way beyond what many of us used to thinks of him, he's very very highly intelligent. His brain and physical is not normal.

[@lennylennington]

Mike's the man. He's becoming everyone's favorite grandpa.

[@Dan-eq6po]

Not that old

[@joesmitch8639]

I've seen almost every Tyson interview I can find. This one is a gem, something about it makes me feel like this is the first time I'm watching an Iron Mike interview. Nice work!

[@MattyV1974]

Same here!

[@DickGrainy007]

Solomon really did a great job not wasting Mike's time and bringing a good energy to the interview. He isn't trying to get gossip or juicy info, he just wants to interview a man who he loves and is a fan of, always glad to see Mikes character on display. Mike reminds me as dark as we become, we can always choose to become better.

[@malotti2004]

Amen!!100

[@ataikiddeh]

The most underrated and perhaps one of the greatest modern philosophers, Mike Tyson.

[@SeanPatrickFitness]

How'd you get mikey on here?

[@gen-zeke-8571]

"Mikey?"

[@daveyboy_]

$$$$$$$$$$$

[@massi6528]

Once he's Mikey to you, it means you're close friends so you can get him anywhere including here!

[@jboogieee337]

Mike knows everyone!

[@RG-lr4pk]

@@gen-zeke-8571 he's the orange ninja turtle

[@ShogunateDaimyo]

This kid is an incredible interviewer. When I heard he's only 19 I had to rewind multiple times. You can tell Mike really respected and gave himself to the interview. I done loaded this it was filled with so many new details and pieces of wisdom I hadn't heard from Mike before and I try to listen to as many as I can. Peace and goodwill to all!

[@deltonlifeisgood]

This young lad approached the opportunity very seriously. Fairplay. Good convo

[@bwilson5401]

Tyson was so kind to this kid.Hes definitely a complicated dude.And the Kid was a good interviewer.

[@rod749]

The fact that this interview exists is already awesome.

[@JXDDXRY-]

dude you and me are the same age. you’re interviewing mike tyson… and i’m just sat in bed watching this interview😂😂 you’re gonna go far my man

[@officialcrime4u]

“Any fight that has been filmed I’ve watched it “ that’s crazy

[@CraigMansfield]

I like the intentional respect that you showed to Mike and to the people he loved. And I've watched Mike throughout his entire career, and you're the only person who's ever shown empathy for his loss, and said you're sorry about his loss. I'd like to thank you for that.

[@westerling8436]

cringe 🤣

[@benorozco3156]

@@westerling8436 Your misuse of that word has completely rendered it useless. It makes no sense to the comment above, and crying emoji's stink. Why can't you people at least use it as the punchline to a well-crafted insult? Why is it always shit? Your lack of edge disturbs me goofball.

[@SonGoku-qq6rp]

@Westerling stupid and also weird thing to say to somebody being kind and just showing respect

[@vorcedemonize5247]

@@westerling8436 ok bud. Only one cringe is u

[@westerling8436]

@@SonGoku-qq6rp I totally respect your opinion 'Goku' 😆

[@smizzomgmt9957]

Very rare for a man this great that reached his levels of success and fame be this humble and introspective. Blessings to the champ!!

[@ashwatvenkatraman6783]

Absolutely incredible interview with the legend! Mike Tyson - you are a wonderful human being and your boxing and life story are so inspiring!

[@Mike-mb1yf]

@@tarstarkusz and where are those guys now? and why does nobody give a rat's ass about them? lmao dude you're just bitter

[@toddventura7191]

The guy is a living legend. Great interview and every sentence he speaks has profound meaning to it. Sometimes I wish I was born earlier so I could witness his journey unfolding. Alas, it was all before my time. Nevertheless... I love every moment hearing Tyson talk in these kind of interviews. Good stuff!

[@kevinb9830]

Never seen Mike seem so relaxed

[@nyquiloxide941]

One of the best Tyson Interviews. It feels a 2 guys just sitting in a living room talking.

[@happydays1384]

Man, what an Interview. What a glorious find on youtube.Really enjoyed that, none of the big glitz and glamour, Mike seemed so relaxed and open. No pressure, no tension just pure. Love tyson! Hes been my Child hood idol and still is, as a grown man. What a true blessing following this man throughout the decades and being able to enjoy each stage of his life from ferocious iron mike to the great humble master he is today. Amazing to have chosen such a timeless, inspirational, enduring idol. The real champ!

[@ibnsabeel9466]

I’m the same age as Mike and I actually met him in Denver when he was thinking about setting up his training camp in Colorado. It was like 97 or 98. We prayed Friday prayer صلاة الجمعة together. Mike Tyson’s journey is one the biggest lessons to me that Allah is ever merciful and is the only one who knows the future. This has to be the absolute best interview of Iron Mike Tyson I’ve ever seen and listened to. 👍👍🥇🏆👏👏👏👏👏💎💎💎💎💎💎

[@EUSA1776]

What a great interview. It shows how humble Mike has become to give an hour of his time to do an interview, no flashy set or camera, just some couches and questions. Glad he’s finally become the man Cus wanted him to be.

[@m.thegreat2136]

When Mike says "listen" you know it going to be a deep story and we listen

[@DanMehmet-yy1ly]

This was the BEST Mike Tyson interview I have ever seen. All the small details about growing up with Cus etc. . I looked up to two people as a kid, Bruce Lee and Mike Tyson, these two just had a different aura about them, in my eyes both great philosophers in their own right.

[@joegreene7746]

As a big mike tyson fan, you really brought the best out of him here. Amazing job, subbed.

[@farzinrasuli6329]

He talks so much about cus he really loved him and respect him 🙏🏽💯

[@kaizersozei]

ive watched alot of mikes interviews over the years this is one of the best good job.respect to mike hes a wise man

[@f.k.9765]

Best Mike Tyson Interview ever. He asks questions, that were never asked before.

[@demonit2]

There is still child hiding in him after tough life situations. Great interview!

[@paulbirkbeck1790]

This was brilliant. I didnt realise you were only 19 you handled the interview well.👍

[@IrishTechnicalThinker]

Brilliant interview with Tyson and I like how Solomon didn't get overwhelmed in questioning Mike, some get terribly excited or get carried away by the discussion. Losing the conversation but Solomon didn't and remained completely normal.

[@seanbouk]

Tyson is surprisingly philosophical and I love it

[@CoolAdam247]

Absolutely amazing that you got Mike on ! He is a student of history himself so I hope you get a chance to do part 2 and talk about historical events and warriors of the past.

[@OgDj2024]

Mike will always be one of the most interesting people in the world. No matter what, people will always be intrigued by Mike Tyson

[@rederatv]

Is it only me who thinks that this interviewer is really good? He asked the right questions and in good sequence.

[@mauricenunn3917]

Great interview

[@DC_92]

“Are you a perfectionist ?” “What is perfection ?, maybe that supersedes perfection.” WHHHOOOAAAA Mike!! 🤯😮🙏🏻

[@paulc3749]

excellent. mike is so down to earth for someone so massively known and respected

[@shangrila73eldorado]

Tyson is a great fighter. He isn't making excuses or lying. He admits he headbutted Holyfield too. He admits Buster D. beat him fair. He even says the peek a boo is an old fashioned way of fighting. His honesty is heartening. And it is very cool that he's giving this young man an interview.

[@debburollish6387]

Tyson gave this interviewer more life advice in one minute than my parents ever did ever.

[@bekisiphotshili2566]

Gosh, it took Mike Tyson every bit of his 56 years on this earth to become this mature. One of his most sanitized interviews ever.

[@perpetualmotion357]

Not only were those 7 years with Cus the happiest he ever was and made him a multimillionaire and one of the greatest fighters ever, they were also the building blocks that helped shape the man that he has become. 8 years with that man would be more valuable than the most prestigious university you could go to.

[@mrsoserious6534]

This is a dumb ass comment

[@lycaniii1856]

Dude! You got one the 🐐 on here! He was one of the individuals that defined 80’s

[@Antoniosharkbodybuilding9352]

I love Mike tyson, Mike tyson in my heart forever, i live in France and my dream it's meet mike tyson...

[@RKelly694]

Havn't even watched this yet but the moment i read history and mike tyson, i already know he's gonna bring up alexander the great and ripping someones heart out. Bless him.

[@loserischamp5457]

This was Tyson's best ever interview

[@MattyV1974]

I am new to the channel, a life long Mike Tyson fan, I have watched hundreds of interviews. While I knew most of the history and Mikes story, I enjoyed some of the unique questions never asked before. I love how Mike speaks to you like you guys are friends, his answers passionate and informative, I am so happy to see Mike comfortable enough to speak candidly and share intimate details of his life. The honesty Mike speaks is so powerful, the baddest man on the planet is the realest man on the planet. God bless you both, thank you for this thorough, well prepared interview. It is a goal of mine to someday meet Mike, a man I have admired for over 30 years. You have a new subscriber, keep up the awesome work.

[@jakewardwell1043]

This is a fantastic interview! What an incredible person in you as an interviewer and for mike to come on and give you the time of day.

[@CommonCeNtsTony]

We love ya champ! That's cool you went on a new channel for an interview. Says a lot about your character. This interview will go down in history as "rare unseen footage of legend Mike Tyson".

[@billy4rocks]

Dude, that was awesome, I wish you all the success with your channel.

[@uRamPlus]

Amazing interviewer. Finally someone who asks questions and listens to guest until guest stops talking. Subscribed👍

[@markfinne-larsen2356]

What a fantastic interview, absolutely the best I have seen. Well done!

[@franksiller4245]

I almost didn’t watch this interview because of the cheap production but I’m glad I did, great job interviewing and also asking different questions than others have

[@mauricenunn3917]

Rite🙌🏾💯💯💯💯💯

[@spyman52]

He's either high & happy, or not high & scary; but he's also an entertaining champion.

[@extendedclips]

Mike Tyson Blessed Us with so many wise words in this interview. Thank You 🤲🏽💫

[@Zakkah]

That was a beautiful interview. Thank you for sharing 🙏❤️

[@boxingfan1l950]

I honestly though this was going to be another interview of the same we all know about Mike, to my surprise this kid is very very smart and showed us a different angle of Mikes life.

[@5555lupo]

i never bored when i listen Mike Tyson talking, its a great man

[@treyday5200]

How doesnt this have more views?

[@dogdad4069]

The Best interview with Mike Tyson ever. The honesty that you got from Mike in this interview is something you should be proud of. You were able to gain Mike’s trust enough for him to bring his guard down allowing us to experience his thoughts and mindset as a human and not just a public figure. Awesome interview. 🥊🏆🥇

[@boxingmediatv7553]

Interviewer has a great aura and conducted a brilliant interview

[@HumbleWordsmith]

how is the greatest interview ive seen of Mike been conducted in some kids living room on a floopy couch lol, well done young man, insipiring

[@joemudda3723]

Great interview with the legend himself, really helping me through a rough moment in my life. Thank you

[@bauk8754]

Just listening to Mike talk about life one can learn many things what an amazing human being❤

[@sivacharan4959]

“We’re just Passing Through-Just enjoy Passin Through “ - Mike Tyson That puts everything into perspective

[@chechidi]

"I wish Cus could see me now, I wish he could see my kids. That's all. That's all I want, him to see my kids. I want him to see my kids. I want him to see my wife too. Oh, this guy would have loved my family now. He would have loved this family right here." - Mike Tyson, you're one of the most wonderful hearts that ever came out of boxing and life.

[@justbelieve215]

Bravo to Mike Tyson for giving this kid an in-depth interview and Bravo to the kid for doing a great job 👏

[@chrisethan1246]

My personal favorite moments from the interview that displayed Mike Tyson's wisdom and experience. 5:03 15:55 25:11 26:33 27:17 28:52 30:27 31:16 33:47 35:54 37:20 38:55 39:55 54:25 55:45 56:30 57:40 58:02 58:40 1:00:11 1:01:34 1:01:46 1:06:25

[@doc2746]

Haha 😂😂😂😂

[@abdulakram2798]

Thank you!

[@chrisethan1246]

@@abdulakram2798 np

[@joemudda3723]

Bro that's like the whole interview 😂😂, anyway thanks for sharing

[@Hello-zm8il]

" worked on being a good person than a great person" wise words for a decent man.

[@AJ-pt9du]

It’s so cool mikes team suggested he does this interview a lot of celebrities/athletes would overlook having this interview

[@fweiss7810]

Mike Tyson is so interesting to listen to. A true champ. He is very respectful to the interviewer in his language also. So enjoyed his story of his life.

[@gymnetixs4018]

You can just tell Mike Tyson has a big heart

[@thegoat6116]

10:00 "it was a privilege to get knocked out"🤣🤣🤣

[@jamesasc7709]

This is incredible, what a real and in-depth interview. Well done Solomon for the prep work and natural conversation that followed.

[@BuffaloBlack]

I think we have another Graham Bensinger on our hands. Great interview.

[@LesterBrunt]

This just shows how overrated and outdated mainstream media is. Never seen Tyson so candid and relaxed being interviewed.

[@drummerdummy]

Mike Tyson for President!!!!! I would vote twice for him.

[@alfredoaraujo7756]

Good job young man. Your interview was really magnificent. In the development of the interview Mike Tyson does not show that he is not only an extraordinary world boxing champion but a very brilliant and intelligent person as well. It makes a viewer like me appreciate more his personality. However that proves Mike Tyson is not only celebrity because of his boxing career. But for his eloquence in wherever he navigates. 😊Thank you both.