DOUBL3 COVERAGE PODCAST: Mike Tyson On Preparing To Fight Floyd Mayweather & His Plan To Save The Sport Of Boxing

Host: Mystic Zach & N3on
Guest: Mike Tyson
Date: March 20, 2026
Episode: 16

Episode Overview

In this powerful episode, boxing legend Mike Tyson joins Mystic Zach and N3on live from the first annual Mike Tyson Invitational in Las Vegas. The discussion centers on Tyson’s dedication to revitalizing amateur boxing in America, his reflections on his own childhood and boxing journey, and his vision for the sport’s future—especially in light of recent Olympic setbacks. Tyson also addresses his preparation for a high-profile fight against Floyd Mayweather, the lessons boxing instills beyond the ring, and the vital role of youth development. The tone is passionate, authentic, and driven by Tyson’s desire to empower the next generation, with memorable anecdotes and candid moments throughout.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Birth of the Mike Tyson Invitational and Saving Amateur Boxing

• Inspiration:

  • Tyson shares how a visit to Richard Steele's gym and witnessing the passion of local kids inspired him to create a new platform for amateur boxing.
  • (00:42) “I went to Richard Steele's gym… I saw the enthusiasm of the children… I said, the world has to see this.” — Mike Tyson

• Concern for Amateur Boxing’s Decline:

  • Tyson laments the lack of frequent competition in today’s youth boxing, contrasting it with his own era where fighters accumulated hundreds of bouts early.
  • He’s distressed over the potential removal of boxing from the Olympics, calling it “a sin to the art of boxing.”
  • (01:57) "If they’re kicking it out, the Olympics, how bad can we get? We can’t get any worse." — Mike Tyson

• Mission Statement:

  • He emphasizes he does not want to run amateur boxing but wants to help kids be better athletes and foster a stronger boxing establishment in America, driven by pride and tradition, not profit.
  • (02:32) "I just want kids to come back and be better athletes… This is America's birthright, boxing." — Mike Tyson

2. The Value of Frequent Competition and Identity through Boxing

• Contrast with Modern Fighters:

  • Tyson notes the difference between his own trajectory—15 fights a year as a young pro—and today’s boxers who fight rarely.
  • (06:27) "The more you do it, the better you are." — Mike Tyson

• Boxing as Salvation:

  • Tyson recounts how boxing gave him pride, dignity, and a new identity, steering him away from the self-destructive environment of Brownsville.
  • (07:21) "Boxing gave me daily… I didn’t want to disappoint them and let them down." — Mike Tyson

• Anecdotes from Brownsville:

  • Mike recounts the harsh realities of his upbringing and the street fights with no rules, talking about how repeated conflict bred both toughness and pain.
  • (03:55) "The fight's not over. They see you again, we're fighting again… Until somebody gets somebody unconsciously bow down." — Mike Tyson

3. Legacy, Narcissism, and the Power of Giving Back

• Humility and Growth:

  • Tyson admits early narcissism but describes how the Invitational and working with kids shifted his focus from himself to a greater purpose.
  • (05:12) "At first… I got mad, but it’s not about me… it’s about us helping the kids." — Mike Tyson

• Building Champions in Life:

  • He affirms that few will be world champions in the ring, but everyone who applies boxing’s lessons can be a champion in life.
  • (15:29) "Boxing is about what you learn… you become a world champion in life, not necessarily in the ring." — Mike Tyson

4. Mike Tyson vs. Floyd Mayweather: Preparation and Perspective

• Perspective on Fighting Floyd:

  • Tyson downplays the upcoming Mayweather fight to highlight the Invitational’s importance and the cause of youth boxing, showing that his focus is on the next generation.
  • (13:10) "Well, it’s all about Mike Tyson’s invitation right now… Floyd, you know… This is what it’s about." — Mike Tyson

• Spirit over Size:

  • Tyson attributes success in fighting more to determination and spirit than physical size, highlighting his own experiences battling larger fighters.
  • (08:59) "Fighting has to do with spirit, nothing to do with size… All my disadvantages were my advantage." — Mike Tyson

5. Addressing Critics and Authenticity

• Integrity and Legacy:
  • Tyson strongly rebukes the notion that he’d ever fix a fight, asserting the integrity he brings even at 58 years old.
  • (12:39) “I don’t want to fix a fight. Well, I don’t want to do that.” — Mike Tyson

6. The Importance of Women’s Boxing

• Role Models and Respect:
  • Tyson highlights Claressa Shields as a role model elevating women’s boxing and hopes the Invitational can launch new stars.
  • (16:15) "Karissa Shields, the baddest monster on the planet, she’s a good person to look up to." — Mike Tyson

7. Awards, Rivalries, and Motivation

• The Will of Steele Award:

  • The Invitational will honor those displaying determination, in memory of Richard Steele.
  • (25:00) "We got an award for Richard Steele, the Will of Steele award… that’s why we’re gonna honor him with that." — Mike Tyson

• Culture of Competition:

  • Tyson describes the pride and friendly (and sometimes not-so-friendly) competition around earning “Outstanding Fighter” awards, recalling his own days.
  • (25:19–27:06)

8. Creating Future Opportunities and a Global Movement

• Travel, Culture, and the New Junior Olympics:

  • Tyson envisions international team competitions—“Team Tyson vs. the world”—as a way for kids to gain life experiences and see the world.
  • (30:03) “Us and guys like Roberto Duran would take our teams and fight all over in the world… Team Tyson versus the world.” — Mike Tyson

• Inclusivity and Legacy:

  • He stresses inclusion rather than division, inviting all to participate regardless of background.
  • (31:48) "Whoever wants to help people… We gotta do this together. This is for the kids." — Mike Tyson

• Aiming Larger than the Olympics:

  • Even if boxing leaves the Olympics, Tyson’s goal is to create an event even bigger, providing pride and opportunity to youth globally.
  • (29:50) "Surpass the Olympics. They could kick us out the Olympics. But we still have this, you know, Mike Tyson Invitational." — Mike Tyson

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On fighting as an identity:

  • (07:22) “I would never want to steal, I had too much pride. Even though I think I'm some bad, I have too much pride to steal. Because that's what boxing gave me—gave me daily because people knew my name. Now, I don't want to disappoint them and let them down.” — Mike Tyson

• On supporting young fighters:

  • (24:14) "I'm looking for somebody. I'm looking for a nobody that wants to be somebody. That's what I'm looking for." — Mike Tyson

• On legacy:

  • (17:25) "If I could inspire somebody to be, from the perspective of the world, better than me… I helped him become that. That's how I look at life." — Mike Tyson

• On value and independence:

  • (27:52) "You teach children to be valuable… they become wealthy because they’re valuable, not because they’re rich… Once they have self-value, they have self-independence. They don’t need me anymore." — Mike Tyson

• On purpose:

  • (32:05) "If they can't do the greater good for kids, then they. They're not living their life… This is for the kid. This is not about no ego, no organization. I want—I don't want no business… These are for kids, you know." — Mike Tyson

Key Timestamps

• 00:42 – Tyson describes the inspiration behind the Mike Tyson Invitational
• 02:32 – Tyson’s mission for amateur boxing: not for profit, for the country’s soul
• 03:55 – Stories from Brownsville and how the street shaped him
• 06:27 – The difference frequent fighting made for Tyson’s early career
• 08:59 – Talk about spirit and will overcoming physical disadvantages
• 12:39 – Tyson addresses rumors/speculation about fixing the Jake Paul fight
• 13:10 – Tyson downplays the Mayweather fight, returns focus to the youth
• 15:29 – Boxing as a preparation for life, not only for winning belts
• 16:15 – On Claressa Shields and lifting up women in boxing
• 25:00 – Inaugural ‘Will of Steele’ award for dedication to youth
• 27:52 – Tyson talks about instilling self-value in young athletes
• 30:03 – Team competitions across the globe envisioned
• 31:48 – Call for unity and collective action: "We gotta do this together. This is for the kids."

Conclusion

This episode is a masterclass in passion, humility, and vision from one of boxing’s greatest icons. Tyson’s focus has shifted from personal glory to uplifting youth and empowering future generations—using the ring not just as a proving ground for champions, but as a means to instill discipline, identity, and opportunity. Through vivid stories, sharp commentary on the sport’s direction, and big-picture dreams like global team events, Tyson paints a roadmap to save and expand boxing’s legacy. The energy, candor, and commitment to the cause make this a must-listen for fight fans and anyone wanting insight into the heart and mind of Iron Mike.