BOXING legend Mike Tyson has claimed that a number of fighters used to get drunk before entering the ring to give them ‘the nerve’.
The 54-year-old – who is preparing to fight Roy Jones Jr in an exhibition bout later this month – made the revelation on his Hotboxin’ Podcast.
Mike Tyson has declared that some fighters used to get drunk before stepping inside the ringCredit: Hot Boxin
Tyson faces his American compatriot Roy Jones Jr in an exhibition bout on November 28Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Commenting on fighters not allowed to enter the ring if they are drunk, Tyson said: “Listen, there have been fighters that did it.
“They can’t fight without drinking, they’ve got to be drunk to fight.
“They ain’t got the nerve, they’ve got to be drunk. World champions.
“They can’t do this s*** without no motherf****** alcohol, on my right hand to god.”
Tyson then went on to discuss his fear of testing positive for HIV during his career after former WBO heavyweight champion Tommy Morrison contracted the virus.
The boxer – who starred alongside Sylvester Stallone in Rocky V – was forced to retire as a result in 1996.
Morrison – who knocked out 42 of his 52 opponents – eventually passed away at the age of 44 in 2013 due to HIV.
Speaking of his worry, Tyson said: “I used to always be afraid to take the AIDS test.”
He continued: “I’m at a fight, and Tommy ‘The Duke’ Morrison was about to fight, he’s the main event.
“And then a doctor who is a friend of mine comes in and says ‘nah he’s not fighting tonight, I don’t think he’s ever going to fight again’.
“And I’m saying like ‘wow he must be really hurt or something right?’
“But he said ‘no Mike, you’ll find out’, he didn’t really want to tell me there, he said ‘no you’re going to find out.’
“But he already knew and found the guy had HIV, and they cancelled his fight, the main event.
“And I’m like ‘f*** if he got it, I know he don’t get more p**** than me and don’t do shit that I do’, I’m like ‘f*** I’m dead, f***.'”
Tyson is set to enter the ring for the first time in 14 years when he faces his American compatriot at the Staples Center on November 28.
And the former unified champion has shown off his incredible body transformation for the eagerly-anticipated dust-up.
Rappers Lil Wayne, French Montana and Wiz Khalifa are just three musical artists that will be providing entertainment for the event.
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Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
