Mike Tyson reached the pinnacle of boxing as heavyweight champion, and has taken on tough fighters such as Evander Holyfield, James “Buster” Douglas and Michael Spinks.
However, some might say that his toughest opponent has not been another fighter, but himself.
Tyson will share that inner struggle along with highlights of his headline-making career when he brings his one-man show, “Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth,” to the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre on Feb. 13.
Promoters have called “Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth,” directed by Spike Lee, a “rare, personal look inside the life and mind of one of the most feared men ever to wear the heavyweight crown.”
Although the production already made a Broadway debut this past summer, Tyson is now taking it on a national tour, and the first stop, ironically will be Indianapolis – the same city in which Tyson had his most significant setback.
In 1986 at age 20, Tyson became the youngest heavyweight world champion. By 1988, he had become the first boxer to hold all heavyweight titles from the three major boxing organizations at the same time.
While visiting in 1991 during Indiana Black Expo, Tyson was accused of raping Desiree Washington, a Miss Black America contestant. Prosecutors pressed charges, and Tyson was placed on trial in Marion County in 1992.
As expected, the trial brought national attention to Indianapolis, its criminal justice system and Tyson’s alleged behavior outside the ring. The community had strong opinions as to whether Tyson was the innocent victim of a set up, or a serial abuser who deserved to be put behind bars.
Tyson was convicted of rape and two counts of criminal conduct.
After serving three years at the Indiana Youth Center (later Plainfield Correctional Facility) he was released and resumed his boxing career, regaining the heavyweight title in 1996 and having two epic matches against Holyfield.
He is the father of seven children, including two he has with his current and third wife, Kiki.
The Recorder recently spoke with Tyson about his production and future plans.
Did you watch President Obama’s second inauguration?
Tyson: Oh, absolutely. Man, I think of a winning team. I saw a picture of Maya Angelou hugging the president. To me, Obama’s election represents overcoming 500 years of oppression. Knowing the trials and tribulations that African-Americans went through, now we have one who is at the head of the country.
What can we expect from “Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth”?
Oh, man, it’s going to be so awesome. You can expect everything, from the beginning part of my life to where I’m at now in life. There’s a lot of dynamic stories in between.
You will also appear in an episode of NBC’s “Law & Order SVU” on Feb. 13. Tell us about your character.
His name is Reggie Rose, and he is a death row inmate. He was molested as a kid and ended up molesting others. In this episode he helps the officers solve a crime.
Has acting become a new career for you?
Yes, and hopefully I will do more roles, not as Mike Tyson but as someone else. I would like to have more variety in the roles.
Do you think you will ever step into the ring again, even if just for charity or exhibition?
No, I don’t think I’ll do that stuff no more (laughs). I might be successful and end up doing something crazy again!
What would you say was your best fight?
Against Larry Holmes in January, 1988. I got into the ring with a legend, and won.
Who would you say was your toughest opponent?
(Hesitates) Man, I would say Holyfield.
As a Hall of Fame boxer, what advice do you have for aspiring fighters and athletes?
You have to have total dedication to the sport and the art. I don’t think people are like that anymore. There’s too much distraction now. You have the Internet, the iPad, and other distractions. For a guy to make it he has to give his whole life to the sport, like a lifestyle.
How do you feel about returning to Indianapolis, the city where the trial took place? Are you nervous about that?
Well, listen, I have nothing personal against Indiana. That’s a part of my life that I endured, and I overcame it. Now people are going to see me in two lights. At first they saw me come in there in handcuffs, and now they are gonna’ see me coming there to entertain them. It’s going to be so awesome. Hopefully, my attorney Jim Boyles and the Honorable Patricia Gifford can come. I would love for them to bring their spouses and visit the show. We will always be respectful on their behalf.
(Boyles was a defense attorney for Tyson and Gifford was the judge who presided over his trial.)
Allegedly, you had the opportunity to be released earlier if you agreed to take a GED course and apologize to Desiree Washington’s family. Why didn’t you take the deal?
It wasn’t sincere and I wasn’t going to perjure myself over something I knew I didn’t do. I wasn’t gonna’ do that. I would have been a bigger prisoner in my mind than I have ever been in my body.
What has been the greatest misconception of you?
First of all, I am crazy, but I’m not that kind of crazy. I’m crazy, like, you know, “fun crazy,” but I’m not dangerous crazy. Other than that I’m just a normal guy.
What kind of music do you listen to in your spare time?
Well, it varies. What’s in my iPod can vary from Bob Dylan, Kanye West, Jay-Z, Rihanna, Adele, Teena Marie, Etta James and even Shania Twain. I’m not a fan of Shania, but my wife put that on there (laughs). There’s Justin Bieber, man everybody. I have Taylor Swift’s new song because my daughter always likes to sing that.
Tell us about your family?
Well, they are going with me on the tour, so we will be working as a team as well as a family. This is something I never have encountered before. I’ve been in love and married before, but this is the first time I’ve had a commitment that goes beyond myself and my own personal needs. This marriage has been a new journey.
Throughout your career, and even during the trial, you had loyal supporters in Indianapolis who stuck by you. What do you have to say to them?
Thank you very much. I am very, very grateful for your support.
