When a young Mike Tyson’s fought Baltimore gangster serving life in prison for triple homicide
A teenage Mike Tyson fought heavyweight boxer Reggie Gross who turned out to commit a triple homicide alongside his gang members.
Mike Tyson vs Reggie Gross in 1986 (Image Sources - talkSPORT/The Paradise News)
Mike Tyson is one of the most popular fighters to ever exist. He is considered an iconic figure in the sport due to his ferocious nature. His speed and explosiveness in the ring have earned the respect of his opponents in the ring. Tyson has fought formidable opponents in the ring, such as Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield. The former heavyweight champion amassed a record of 50 wins and six losses in his career.
Another aspect of Tyson’s life that is well-known is his controversies inside and outside the ring. His legendary performances in the ring overshadowed all of it. In 1986, Mike Tyson fought fellow American heavyweight boxer Reggie Gross. The fight ended with a spectacular knockout victory for Tyson.
At the time, fans were unaware of Gross’ double life. The heavyweight boxer was a heavy drug user and was part of the most violent gang in Brooklyn. The gang was a major suspect in cocaine and heroin trafficking. His drug use caused a visible deterioration in the heavyweight fighter’s boxing career. Due to the violent nature of the gang, the Baltimore homicide detective suspected Gross of murder. He was suspected of killing a rival member of his gang. It was reported as a deliberate and planned hit job.
Reggie Gross was accused of killing three members of a rival gang. This caused a halt to his career in boxing. According to ‘talkSPORT,’ the heavyweight boxer was paid $3,000 for each hit. Reggie Gross primarily denied these accusations. However, the fighter was pleaded guilty and sentenced to life in prison. Reggie Gross’ promising career as a successful fighter came to an end following his prison sentence.
Mike Tyson talks about the people he met in prison
Mike Tyson is considered to be a legend in the boxing community. Disavowing his violent past, the 56-year-old now lives a peaceful life indulging in other ventures other than fighting. However, his past is an unforgettable memory for Tyson. The former heavyweight champion of the world is often witnessed talking about his rough times in prison. He also reveals the lessons that he had learned through his time behind bars.
In his prison time, Mike Tyson revealed that he had seen it all. From consensual homosexuality to forceful rape, the heavyweight boxer had witnessed it all. He believes that the people in prison are weak and cowardly. He was quoted saying, “I’ve been there. [Prison] I’m not saying I’ve been to jail and I’m hardcore.”
“A bunch of homosexuals, a bunch of f******, a bunch of weak people in jail,” says Tyson referencing his inmates. He then says, “The reason why people go to jail is because they don’t have their s*** in check.” “They can’t manage their life,” said ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson. “That doesn’t mean you’re a bad guy cause you’re in jail, it means you’re a dysfunctional weak individual,” said Mike Tyson.
Mike Tyson is living an untroubled life with his wife and kids. The 56-year-old wishes to put his rough past behind him and proceed with an unproblematic life with a sane mindset.
In case you missed it:
- “Congratulations to all who made money” – When Floyd Mayweather made $52k by betting on massive underdog Dmitry Bivol against Canelo Alvarez
- “I was snatched out of my body,” Legendary boxer George Foreman’s ‘near-death’ experience in locker room made him born-again Christian
Ritvik Malhotra
(1085 Articles Published)