Former Heavyweight Champion, Mike Tyson, continued his ritual of using marijuana ahead of his fight – which ended in a draw – against Roy Jones Jr on Saturday night. The retired boxer admitted that he has even smoked during fights, adding that there is “no explanation” for an addiction that has “no end”.
After retiring from Boxing fifteen years ago, the 54-year-old made a return to the sport in an exhibition bout that did not test the fighters for marijuana, and Tyson has confirmed that he “absolutely” smoked before the fight.
Both fighters agreed to undergo tests by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) ahead of the fight in Los Angeles, but Tyson, as the owner of a marijuana ranch and strain was not scrutinized in the checks.
“I can’t stop smoking,” admitted “Iron Mike” after making his return in a money spinning bout that attracted a huge pay-per-view audience.
“I smoked during fights. I just have to smoke. I’m sorry. I smoke every day. I never stopped smoking.
“It’s just who I am. It has no effect on me from a negative standpoint. It’s just what I do and how I am and how I’m going to die.
“There’s no explanation. There’s no beginning. There’s no end. It just numbs me. It doesn’t numb the pain.”
Tyson claimed to have stopped smoking cannabis in the build-up to the match, explaining to broadcaster Joe Rogan that his return was “all about change”.
Despite his post-match revelations contradicting his claim, Tyson reiterates that he had stopped using cocaine around two-and-a-half years ago.
Both fighters did give a good account of themselves, delivering a competitive encounter that many had feared would be dangerous for both fighters in their 50s.
Tyson also took the opportunity to reiterate his desire to raise money for good causes while suggesting that he could face some of the biggest names in Boxing currently.
“My ego is taking the money, buying some planes, some nice houses, picking up a bunch of chicks, and having some orgies and stuff,” he said.
“This is not who I am right now. That guy was just somebody that had to be. Eventually, he was a platform to become me. In a perfect world, I’m a missionary.”
“Maybe we [can] do something [else] in the south of France. Monaco or in Saint-Tropez.”
“We can do something out there, one of the European fighters out there or something. Anything is possible. The sky is the limit.”
His admission shows a candid side to his personal struggles, yet he continues to perform at a competitive level.
It’s interesting to see how Mike Tyson’s openness about his marijuana usage challenges traditional perceptions of athletes’ lifestyles, especially in high-stakes sports like boxing.
can do something out there one of the European
Am not happy about this
And he didn’t win o… What’s now the essence of drug
He sounds grown and happy now. Happy for him