Could the ferocity that once defined a heavyweight champion also be the tender heart of an aviary enthusiast? Mike Tyson, the man who terrorized opponents in the ring, harbors a lifelong, and somewhat surprising, devotion to pigeons.
His passion for these birds isn't just a fleeting fancy; it's a deep-rooted connection that stretches back to his childhood. Tyson has often spoken candidly about his aviary obsession, sharing why these birds mean so much to him. His bond with pigeons appears to be an enduring one, a constant throughout his tumultuous life. Beyond the boxing gloves and the public persona, there exists a softer side, a man who finds solace and companionship in the cooing of pigeons.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michael Gerard Tyson |
| Date of Birth | June 30, 1966 |
| Place of Birth | Brooklyn, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) |
| Reach | 71 in (180 cm) |
| Boxing Stance | Orthodox |
| Professional Record | 50-6-0 (44 KOs) |
| Notable Titles | Undisputed World Heavyweight Champion |
| Other Interests | Pigeon Fancier, Actor, Entrepreneur |
| Known for | His fierce boxing style, power, and controversial public persona. |
| Reference | Wikipedia |
Tyson's affinity for pigeons began in his youth, in the gritty Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn. It was there, amidst the struggles and challenges of his upbringing, that he found solace in the feathered creatures. He has recounted how he's had pet pigeons his entire life, since he was 8 or 9 years old. It was a young Tyson who threw his first punch in defense of his pigeons, an older kid bullying him actually killed one of his pet pigeons, spurring Tyson to stand up for his feathered friend. This incident is a stark reminder of the role these birds played in shaping the man he would become. He was quoted as saying "the pigeon was the first thing i ever loved in my life. I don't know why, i feel ridiculous trying to explain it. Pigeons are just so much like people.
His love for pigeons is well documented, a recurring theme throughout his life. He has previously stated that he owns well over 1,000 of them. He tells people he owns hundreds, maybe a thousand pigeons across the united states. Currently, Tyson has a collection of around 1,000 birds. At one point, he owned nearly 350 pigeons while living in Arizona. The former heavyweight champion of the world told thewrap during a recent interview that he currently has 74 pigeons, and yes, he can tell the difference between all of them.
This passion isn't just a hobby; it's a lifestyle. Tyson spends a significant amount of his time with his pigeons, dedicating himself to their care and well-being. Mike Tyson spends so much time with his pigeons as he's not really doing much else, he explained, i don't do much stuff. I do some filming, a little filming, and stuff. The upkeep, however, is a detail often overlooked. Few people know how much the upkeep of his beloved birds costs. Discover his pigeon collection, racing adventures, and why he gives them Fiji water.
His pigeons even make a cameo in the boxer's new campaign for a partnership. The boxing legend reveals he owns hundreds of pigeons in different states and features them in his promotion. He also talks about his cologne collection, his crying habits, and his family life. Tyson reveals elements of his softer side during the interview, admitting he cries at sad movies and collects cologne. Mike Tyson is known for his obsession with pigeons, but he assures that his love for them was developed for good reason.
Tyson's pigeon-keeping wasn't confined to his youth. It's a practice he's maintained throughout his life, even as he achieved global fame. He has kept pigeons as pets ever since he was nine years old. In the book Iron Ambition: My Life with Cus DAmato, Tyson revealed that pigeons were a constant in his life. The fighter who transcended boxing and arguably became bigger than the sport itself. Hell always be known for what he was able to achieve in the ring, but hes also pursued some interesting side hustlesincluding a few stemming from his love of pigeons. The owner of these pigeons and their coop is the former heavyweight boxing champion, mike tyson.
The world has witnessed glimpses of Tyson's softer side. From heavyweight to featherweight, pigeon racing goes primetime with it's own reality show! Former world heavyweight champ mike tyson will take flight on animal planet with a new sport pigeon racing. The network this week announced a new reality show that will pit tyson, a novice pigeon racer, against serious competitors. Tyson and his pigeons will make their first television debut together on animal planet in march 2011. To this day, hes still obsessed with the birds, keeping them as pets and even participating in pigeon racinga niche but competitive hobby.
This deep connection to the birds is a fundamental aspect of Tyson's identity. He is an enigma, a man of contradictions, a known animal lover but doesnt often go the traditional route of a dog or a cat. Mike Tyson has either had white tigers or a flock of pigeons. His story offers a fascinating contrast: the brutal, unrelenting power inside the ring and the gentle, caring hand that tends to his pigeons.
He has also discussed his collection of cologne. The boxer is also a family man. A visit to a Lincolnshire pigeon breeder, and an appearance in a promotional event. Jake Paul has a pigeon in his dressing room ahead of his fight against mike tyson and here's why. Ahead of their highly controversial fight, paul and tyson.
In a recent interview with Sean Hannity on Fox, Tysons love of pigeons has been well documented over the years. Watch mike tyson talk about his passion for pigeons and how a pigeon's decapitation led to his first fight. This is an excerpt from a 2011 interview with graham bensinger, available on podcast and tv. Learn how mike tyson's passion for pigeons started from his childhood and how it influenced his boxing career. Watch behind the mike #002 to learn more about mike's longtime passion for pigeons, and his goal of becoming king of the air. Photo by cooper neill/getty images for netflix jake paul makes pigeon his pet after mike tyson told him he would feed it to his falcon.
The story of Mike Tyson and his pigeons is a tale of contrasts, of finding solace and connection in the most unexpected of places. It is a testament to the complexity of human nature, the ability to harbor both raw power and tender affection, and the enduring power of a childhood passion. It's a story that continues to unfold, adding new layers to the legend of Mike Tyson, the heavyweight champion who found his heart in the sky.
