Mike Tyson, widely regarded as one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time, exuded an intense aura during the pinnacle of his career. However, it was not just his boxing prowess that captivated the world; Tyson’s life outside the ring was equally notorious for its captivating tales. Among the many intriguing facets of his life, one that stands out is his ownership of a pet tiger. Yes, you read that right – Mike Tyson actually had a tiger as a companion, which speaks volumes about his unique and audacious character. But this was just the tip of the iceberg, as Tyson once astonishingly expressed his desire to take on a gorilla in combat.
In addition to his eccentricities, Mike Tyson’s accomplishments within the boxing realm were nothing short of remarkable. He achieved a feat unparalleled in heavyweight boxing history by simultaneously holding the three major belts – WBA, WBC, and IBF.
Tyson’s dominance in the ring cemented his status as a phenomenal fighter, but his off-the-field exploits revealed a man who wholeheartedly embraced the party lifestyle, living life to the absolute fullest.
During a fascinating conversation on Joe Rogan’s podcast, Tyson delved into his passion for animals, drawing parallels with other famous figures who shared this interest.
Mike Tyson Vs Silverback Gorilla
During a visit to a private zoo with his wife, Robin Givens, Mike Tyson had a surprising encounter. As they explored the zoo grounds, Tyson came face to face with a formidable silverback gorilla. To his dismay, Tyson observed the gorilla displaying aggressive behavior, bullying the other animals in its vicinity.
Tyson said, “They were so powerful but their eyes were like an innocent infant. I offered the attendant $10,000 to open the cage and let smash that silverback’s snotbox! He declined.”
Mike Tyson once offered a zookeeper $10,000 to open the gate so he could go in the pen and fight the gorilla who has bullying the other primates.
Tyson’s offer was turned down.🚫💰🦍 pic.twitter.com/a2gdjzIclg— Raphousetv (RHTV) (@raphousetv2) May 22, 2023
While most people would have chosen to ignore the situation, Tyson, never one to back down, made an extraordinary proposition. He approached the zookeeper and offered a substantial sum of 10 thousand dollars, urging the zookeeper to release the gorilla from its cage so that he could engage in a physical confrontation with the powerful primate.
In the company of Joe Rogan, Tyson openly discussed his admiration for animals, pointing out that renowned personalities like Hugh Hefner, Michael Jackson, and Pablo Escobar also shared a similar affinity. This unexpected commonality sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of Tyson’s multifaceted persona, further adding to the captivating narrative of his life.
