Mike Tyson’s dominance in the boxing ring during the late ’80s and early ’90s was unmatched.
As the youngest-ever heavyweight champion at just 20 years old, his explosive power and aggressive style made him one of the most feared fighters in the sport’s history.
Mike Tyson’s pre-fight ritual
Despite standing at just 5-foot-11, relatively short for a heavyweight, Tyson’s knockout ability was undeniable, racking up 44 stoppage victories in his 59-fight career.
With such a physically imposing presence, many have speculated about the secrets behind his strength and endurance.
While Tyson’s intense training regime was well-documented, including six-hour gym sessions and his signature neck bridge exercise that gave him an 18-inch neck by the age of 18, his diet during his prime may come as a surprise to fans.
Unlike the carefully curated meal plans of today’s top athletes, Tyson relied on an unconventional pre-fight snack to fuel his performances.
In an interview with GQ in 2019, Tyson admitted that his go-to meal an hour before stepping into the ring consisted of a chocolate bar and orange juice.
The sugar-packed combination was meant to give him a quick burst of energy, defying the strict nutritional guidelines most modern athletes follow.
While he also ate steak and vegetables during his peak fighting years, this pre-fight habit stands out, especially when compared to his later shift to a plant-based diet.
Tyson’s approach to nutrition echoes that of other legendary athletes who prioritized performance over dietary conventions.
Michael Jordan, for example, was known to eat McDonald’s before training sessions, proving that raw talent often defies traditional rules.
In Tyson’s case, his natural power and relentless aggression may have outweighed any need for a meticulously planned diet.
Good news for Tyson on sexual assault lawsuit
Beyond the nostalgia of his fighting days, Tyson has also been making headlines for legal reasons.
A lawsuit filed against him by an unidentified woman, who accused the former champion of sexual assault in the 1990s, has now been withdrawn.
The case, brought under New York’s Adult Survivors Act, sought $5 million in damages.
However, Tyson’s attorney confirmed that the plaintiff has chosen to discontinue the suit with prejudice, meaning it cannot be refiled.
Tyson, who had consistently denied the allegations, faced no settlement or compensation related to the case.
As the 58-year-old continues to stay active in the boxing world, even recently stepping into the ring against Jake Paul, his legacy remains a mix of historic triumphs and personal controversies.
And for fans of the sport, his pre-fight habits serve as yet another fascinating glimpse into the mind of a champion.
Read the full article here
