Mike Tyson has fought many great battles, becoming the former world heavyweight champion. However, one of the most difficult fights he has faced in his life has been outside the ring.
His toughest opponent was his substance abuse problem. Battles with addiction have marked much of the former boxer’s career and life. In 2007, Tyson was arrested in Arizona for coc**ine possession and driving under the influence of drugs. He did not omit this chapter of his life from his autobiography, recounting how drugs led him into the abyss, even hours before boxing. Fortunately, Tyson managed to overcome his problems by seeking rehabilitation.
Now, in his quest to combat drug use, especially fentanyl among young people, Tyson is the new face of the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) campaign.
Mike knows firsthand the negative impact this habit can have and, based on his own experience as a former addict, he seeks to warn younger generations to stay away from addiction.
Tyson’s campaign
Mike Tyson recently visited the DEA laboratories, donned the official DEA uniform, and, together with New Jersey’s acting federal prosecutor, Alina Habba, delivered a strong message against fentanyl, a powerful painkiller that is stronger than morphine.
“One pill can kill,” the soft-spoken, yet hulking Tyson told The Post, adding, “I just found out that a pinch of fentanyl can kill someone. I was never educated about this; it’s new to me.”
Iron Mike knows what it’s like to be in that world, yet he was able to get out of it: “I haven’t smoked cigarettes, I haven’t drunk, I haven’t used cocaine in nine years,” he said. Now, Tyson uses his platform to make a positive impact. He promotes sports among children and works with various foundations.
In response, Alina Habba highlighted the importance of the campaign and the former boxer’s participation, saying, “Tyson is a great advocate for safe use. And making sure it doesn’t come from China or a pesticide.” According to the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor, 70% of overdose deaths in the US are caused by illegally manufactured fentanyl.
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