Mike Tyson: ‘I Don’t Want To Die’ [Video]

Mike Tyson has given his first interview after announcing he is a “vicious alcoholic.” The heavyweight boxing champion admits that if he doesn’t get help, he will die.

Tyson recently confessed that he has a serious drinking problem. In last week’s press conference, he discussed his alcoholism and announced his return to boxing.

As reported by UDA Today, Tyson plans to return to the sport as a promoter. Unfortunately, his addiction remains a constant challenge.

During the news conference, Mike Tyson expressed his desire to change:

“I want to change my life, I want to live a different life now… I want to live my sober life. I don’t want to die.”

In his first interview since the announcement, Tyson explains how serious his drinking problem really is:

“When I start drinking and I relapse, I think of dying… I’m in a real dark mood, I think of dying. And I don’t know if I want to be around no more.”

In an interview with the Today show, Tyson stated that he has been sober for 12 days. He discusses the challenge of maintaining sobriety, pointing out that it is difficult “to live normal.”

Tyson says he has battled negative thoughts since he was a child. He tried to make amends and move forward from his mistakes. However, he maintains that he was wrongfully convicted of raping Desiree Washington.

Mike Tyson served three years in prison following the conviction. When asked about the incident, he says that Washington lied:

“I’ve done nothing… I really didn’t do anything to her. I didn’t rape her, I didn’t beat her, I didn’t do anything to her. I’m not going to make amends.”

Tyson believes the adversity he endured has keep him strong.

As reported by Biography, at the age of 20, Mike Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion in the history of boxing. He held the title from 1986 to 1990.

In the following years, Tyson was involved in numerous controversies. In addition to the rape charge, Tyson was criticized for biting Evander Holyfield’s ear during a 1997 boxing match.

Tyson retired from boxing in 2005. Following his retirement, Tyson was arrested and convicted of driving under the influence and narcotics possession.

The convictions prompted Tyson to seek help for his addictions. He joined alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous.

Tyson was making progress with his recovery until his 4-year-old daughter died in a tragic accident. In the last four years, Tyson gave in to his addictions.

Mike Tyson is now making progress in his fight for sobriety. He is looking forward to his HBO memoir, and a Fox Sports 1 documentary about his life and career.

[Image via Helga Esteb / Shutterstock.com]