BOXING legend Mike Tyson has revealed how a “normal person” could take one of his punches if they had no fear of death.
Iron Mike was considered one of the most brutal and hardest hitters in the sport after being crowned the youngest world champion aged 20.
And while he enjoyed moments at the top of game, he also hit rock bottom when his reputation was tarnished after being charged with a rape conviction.
Tyson, 54, spent three years in jail before returning to the ring in 1995 where he reclaimed his WBC title belt from Frank Bruno.
He had 58 fights in total, winning 50 of those including 44 by knockout.
But in a candid interview with comedian and actor Kenan Thompson, Tyson revealed how anybody could take one of his punches if they were mentally prepared for it.
He said: “What is a normal person? It has nothing to do with being an athletic person, it’s about your morale. Fighting has a lot to do with morality too.
“It’s not about taking it, it’s the willingness to die, that’s what life is. When you stand up to it you no longer have to fear it.”
‘I’M NERVOUS NOW’
Tyson, formally one of the most feared men on the planet, also revealed how his biggest battle was trying to deal with his nerves before each fight.
He added: “I never thought I could handle being a fighter. It just was. I’ve never been able to handle it.
“You always get nervous. I’m nervous now. That’s just part of life. I believe from my experience that the feeling is a natural defence mechanism.
“You rise to the occasion or you freeze. You learn to deal with that.”
Tyson’s career took yet another twist in 1997 when he famously bit off the ear of rival Evander Holyfield.
And 15 years on from his last professional bout, the Baddest Man on the Planet will step back inside the squared circle on September 12 to take part in an eight-round exhibition bout.
Roy Jones Jr is the man he will face, with the four-weight world champion, 51, sparring with Chris Eubank Jr ahead of the contest.
Tyson and Jones Jr have been warned to avoid knockouts, but both men will box in 12oz gloves and no head guards.
But Tyson has already admitted he will look to finish the fight, as he said: “If the opportunity comes, I’m always looking for it.”
