Mike Tyson, the legendary former heavyweight champion, is gearing up for a highly anticipated return to the boxing ring. Set to face social media star Jake Paul in November, the 58-year-old fighter is making headlines not just for his comeback, but for his unconventional training methods. Tyson recently revealed that he’s been using mushrooms during his training sessions, a practice he claims helps him perform at his best.
The fight, which was initially scheduled for July, had to be postponed after Tyson experienced an ulcer flare-up during a flight. This setback temporarily sidelined him, preventing him from training as planned. In Tyson’s absence, Jake Paul chose former UFC welterweight and current BKFC star Mike Perry as a replacement opponent. Paul managed to secure a victory over Perry, keeping the much-anticipated bout with Tyson alive.
Tyson’s use of recreational drugs has been well-known for years, and now he’s openly discussing how mushrooms have become an essential part of his training routine. Speaking on Logan Paul’s Impaulsive podcast, Tyson shared, “I have to take (mushrooms) when I train, I always train with my mushrooms. I train on mushrooms because I feel beautiful, it takes me to heaven, baby.”
Boxer Mike Tyson Reveals He’s Training for Jake Paul Fight on Mushrooms
This unique approach to training has raised some eyebrows, especially as the fight draws closer. The bout is set to take place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and will be streamed live on Netflix, making it the third sporting event to be broadcast on the platform.
Tyson has made it clear that mushrooms play a significant role in his preparation for the fight. He’s even stated that if he can’t take mushrooms on fight night, he’ll still be under their influence in some capacity. “If I’m not on mushrooms (for the fight), I’ll be on residue of mushrooms, I won’t be on mushrooms but on residue of mushrooms,” Tyson said.
While Tyson is known for his love of marijuana, which he has reduced during his training camp, mushrooms have taken center stage. Marijuana is a banned substance under the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, which oversees combat sports in the state. It remains unclear whether mushrooms fall under the same category, but it’s widely assumed that they are also prohibited.
Tyson isn’t the only fighter to speak positively about using mushrooms. Another fighter, set to make his UFC debut this Saturday, also shared his experiences with the substance. This growing trend highlights a shift in how some athletes approach mental and physical preparation for competition.
The Tyson of Old
Since stepping away from the sport, Tyson has embraced a more peaceful and introspective lifestyle. However, he’s not concerned about needing to tap into the fierce persona he was known for during his prime. When asked how he plans to channel his old self, Tyson explained, “I will keep it real, the only thing I have to think of (to channel my old self) is being young and people bullying me (that’s how I get there).”
Tyson’s journey into boxing began when he was a young boy facing bullying, which motivated him to learn how to defend himself. As the fight with Jake Paul approaches, Tyson doesn’t feel that Paul has succeeded in getting under his skin yet:
“No (I don’t think Jake bullied me at the press conference), the closer it gets to the fight I’ll start to feel bullied, I get that feeling,” Tyson admitted.
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Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
