“I always knew I was Jim Brown,” 14-year-old Mike Tyson surprisingly realised he was destined for greateness

Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson knew that he was destined for greatness.

“I always knew I was Jim Brown,” 14-year-old Mike Tyson surprisingly realised he was destined for greateness

Mike Tyson (Source: Pinterest)

Known for his ferocious fighting style and incredible punching power, Mike Tyson rose to fame in the late 1980s. He did so under the guidance of his trainer and mentor, Cus D’Amato. Furthermore, Tyson became the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world by unifying the WBA, WBC, and IBF titles in 1987. In an interview on the PBB podcast, Tyson revealed how he always knew that he was destined to achieve great things.

Tyson has often spoken about how he believed he was destined for greatness from a young age. Mike Tyson had a troubled childhood and was frequently involved in street fights in his neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York. Hence, Tyson’s childhood and surroundings made him develop a certain mindset, which made him become the ‘Iron Mike’.

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When Tyson was 14 years old, he knew he would be a great person but didn’t think he would be a boxer. As such, Tyson recently stated,

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God gave me the ability as a young boy to know I was going to be somebody that the world would know. I didn’t think fighting, but I don't know, I always knew I was Jim Brown.
Mike Tyson via the PBD podcast

Under the mentorship of Stewart and later D’Amato, Tyson’s life took a different turn. D’Amato became not only Tyson’s trainer but also a father figure and a guiding force in his life. Tyson often credits D’Amato for shaping him both as a boxer and as a person.

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D’Amato saw tremendous potential in Tyson and started training him intensively. Tyson’s belief in his destiny for greatness grew as he found success in the boxing ring. He became the youngest heavyweight champion in history at the age of 20, fulfilling D’Amato’s vision.

Mike Tyson’s journey into boxing

Tyson’s journey into boxing began during his time at the Tryon School for Boys, a reform school. At the age of 13, Tyson met Bobby Stewart, a counselor and former professional boxer, who noticed Tyson’s physical strength and saw potential in him.

Mike Tyson, Eminem
Mike Tyson (image credit- People)

Stewart introduced Tyson to the sport of boxing and began training him informally at the school. Tyson’s talent quickly became apparent, and his natural ability for the sport caught the attention of D’Amato, a legendary boxing trainer and manager. Tyson’s early success in boxing was a testament to his talent, work ethic, and the guidance he received from those who believed in him.

Hence, Tyson’s life has been marked by both triumphs and challenges. However, his early conviction about achieving greatness reflects the impact that influential mentors and a strong belief in oneself can have on shaping a person’s destiny. 

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