Boxing icon Mike Tyson admits he was “addicted to fame” as he candidly opened up about his struggles as a rising star in the sport.
The 54-year old described fame as “the biggest narcotic in the world” as it almost led him to taking his own life.
He rose to fame in the 80s, becoming the youngest world champion when he beat Trevor Berbick.
Having struggled with drug addiction and criminality, Tyson said the biggest threat to any individual is the insatiable hunger for fame.
“I think the biggest narcotic in the world is just this camera, I think that beats sugar,” Tyson said on his Hotboxin’ podcast.
This is a drug, man. I got so caught up with this stuff – almost killed myself,” he added.
“Thinking I was somebody really special. You know, really, really, thinking I’m really special.
“I had to have – what’s that s*** called? Preferential treatment. I was thinking I had to do that stuff.”
Tyson, now in his fifties, now lives a fairly quiet and sober life, and recently relived his youthful days after taking on Roy Jones Jr in a bout.
