“You have to understand loss,” Legendary Mike Tyson explains why losing something could help fighters in becoming the ‘best ever’

Mike Tyson became the heavyweight champion at the tender age of 20.

“You have to understand loss,” Legendary Mike Tyson explains why losing something could help fighters in becoming the ‘best ever’

Legendary boxer Mike Tyson sheds light on the importance of defeat in the career of a boxer making him to be "the best ever" (credits- IMAGO)

Mike Tyson is one the toughest boxers to have ever laced gloves. Unfortunately or fortunately even he has faced losses in his boxing career. It is said that “the one who has lost only knows the true meaning of winning.” This is the philosophy that Iron Mike Tyson also lives by.

Boxing is a lonely sport. Hence if one gets a winning streak going it may conquer his head and make him egoistic. Breaking that ego is crucial for the development of character both in and out of the ring. 

You have to understand loss.
Mike Tyson via Hotboxin’
YouTube video

Mike Tyson himself was considered to be unbeatable which made him feel untouchable. But the cold hard truth hit him when he lost to James “Buster” Douglas. This loss came as a shock to spots fans across the globe but it ignited a hunger in Iron Mike to prove himself again.

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Once a boxer loses he is completely transformed and even though losses are part and parcel of any sport a fighter must remove the chip off his shoulder.

The incident that changed Mike Tyson forever

Everyone has a past that defines them. There is always an event that diverts the path for the future forever. There was one such moment in the life of the youngest heavyweight champion.

Mike Tyson expressing his love for pigeons
Mike Tyson expressing his love for pigeons (credit-Sports Illustrated)

Mike Tyson shares a bond with animals, especially pigeons. He used to take care of them and feed them daily. However, the Mike Tyson we know is far different from his younger self. He was a chubby little boy who was bullied regularly.

One day a bully of his took a pigeon from the hands of Mike Tyson and ripped his head apart. This completely infuriated Mike and sent him on a raging bout. He completely thrashed the bully and with tears in his eyes, he realized that he would no longer be bullied and would stand up for himself.

Although Mike Tyson’s life has had many ups and downs, he is someone who continuously works on himself, making improvements every day which he talks about on his podcast Hotboxin. That is a quality we should learn from the boxing legend.

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