Imagine wanting to follow in the footsteps of a legendary boxer like Mike Tyson. For many boxers, Tyson’s intimidating shadow looms big. He is a legendary and respected voice in the boxing world. For Amir Tyson, the shadow is bigger still. In a conversation with Joe Rogan on his podcast, Tyson ridiculed his son’s ambition to become a boxer.
Tyson’s response to his son’s desire was hysterical. The reaction gives an insight into the beliefs of ‘Iron Mike’ and what he envisions as boxing. But what exactly caused this reaction? Why such a strong response to his son’s ambition?
Why did Mike Tyson react the way he did?
‘The Baddest Man on the Planet’ mocked his son’s desire to become a boxer. He said, “You go to private school; you can’t be a boxer. You travel; you go on European trips. You go on all sorts of vacations. You can’t be a fighter. Get outta here. You’re a joke, man!” Tyson reacted the way he did because of his son’s privileged upbringing. The boxer thinks it won’t hold up in the tough world of professional boxing.
Tyson’s reaction goes beyond his own experience as it’s a statement about being a fighter. The former champion thinks boxing needs a certain background, struggle, and hunger. According to Mike, his son lacks these things. Additionally, in a supreme career of highs and lows, he has witnessed enough. Therefore, his words on The Joe Rogan Experience were more than a dismissal; they were a commentary on what it means to be a boxer.
Meanwhile, his father’s views might not stand in the way of Tyson’s son, as he has his eyes trained on one particular boxer who is also known around the world as an influencer.
Who does Mike Tyson’s son want to fight?
Amir Tyson had singled out Logan Paul to be his opponent. The aspiring boxer’s ambition fueled his father’s disbelief. “He wants to do this so bad. I said: ‘Man, just chill the f— out.’ He wants to fight Logan Paul and those guys. He wants to do that. I said: ‘Man, just get a job. Get a real estate license. Just chill out, man. Why can’t you take advantage of your lightweight wealthiness? Just chill,’” Tyson said.
Back in 2021, Amir wanted to fight Logan Paul, a YouTuber who’s held his own in the ring. This reflects a new era of boxing, where social media influencers are entering the ring. On the other hand, Tyson’s reaction shows a generational divide. Additionally, it also highlights contrasting views on what it means to be a true fighter.
While Mike Tyson’s reaction might come across as harsh, it comes from a lot of pain and struggle that he endured to get to the top. His words show what it takes to succeed. Furthermore, they are also a stern warning about the sport’s realities. Can somebody who’s had a privileged upbringing become a great boxer? It’s up to Amir Tyson to answer that question.