Mike Tyson’s journey from a troubled youth to the youngest heavyweight champion in history is one of the most fascinating stories in sports. His rise was not solely due to raw talent or hard work—his life has been shaped by unique influences, including hypnosis and early exposure to psychedelics.
Tyson’s Early Exposure to Psychedelics
Many might assume that experimenting with substances at a young age led to his downfall, but Tyson himself has credited psychedelics as a tool that enhanced his performance. In recent years, research into psychedelics has gained traction, particularly in clinical therapy. Tyson has openly discussed their benefits, stating that they provided him with a heightened sense of comfort and focus. He once told TMZ Sports, “Psychedelics is an enhancement more than a de-enhancement. It allows you to go in that realm of just comfortability, relaxedness, and preparation to reach your highest level. It’s just an amazing feeling.”
The Power of Hypnosis in Tyson’s Training
Beyond his use of psychedelics, Tyson’s legendary mindset was also shaped by hypnosis. According to a story shared by Joe Rogan during a podcast episode with Chase Hughes, a behavioral expert, Tyson’s coach and mentor, Cus D’Amato, introduced him to hypnosis at the age of 13. D’Amato used it as a psychological tool to instill an unbreakable belief in himself, conditioning him to focus solely on the task of becoming the greatest heavyweight champion of all time.
Rogan explained that D’Amato’s hypnosis techniques removed any doubts from Tyson’s mind. He was trained to think of nothing but fighting, eliminating fears of failure or fraudulence. However, once D’Amato passed away, the lack of his guidance became evident. Rogan noted, “If Cus didn’t die—I mean, he had an unbelievable and spectacular career—but you can tell the difference when Cus is gone. He doesn’t have that mentor anymore, he doesn’t have the leadership, and eventually, it all falls apart for him.”
The Loss of Cus D’Amato and Its Impact on Tyson
D’Amato passed away in 1985 when Tyson was only 19 years old, deeply affecting the young fighter. Before his mentor’s death, Tyson had made an emotional promise: “I am not gonna fight no more if you die.” However, D’Amato urged him to continue, even joking, “You better fight. If you don’t fight, I’m gonna come back and haunt you.”
Tyson honored his mentor’s wishes and continued his journey, winning the WBC heavyweight title at just 20 years old. Despite his success, he admitted feeling empty after D’Amato’s death. He later served as a pallbearer at his mentor’s funeral.
Rogan pointed out that Tyson remained dominant for a while after D’Amato’s passing, but his discipline began to decline. By the time he faced Buster Douglas, the cracks in his foundation were evident. Tyson’s lack of guidance led to personal struggles, and he eventually found himself entangled in legal troubles and financial ruin.
D’Amato’s Influence: Building a Champion but Not a Fail-Safe
D’Amato believed in molding a fighter’s mentality as much as their physical abilities. He once said, “A boy comes to me with a spark of interest. I feed the spark and it becomes a flame. I feed the flame and it becomes a fire. I feed the fire and it becomes a roaring blaze.” He applied this philosophy to Tyson, transforming a troubled teenager into a boxing phenomenon.
Tyson’s path to success began when he was discovered at a reform school by trainer Bobby Stewart, who introduced him to D’Amato. From that moment, D’Amato took him under his wing, guiding him with strict discipline and psychological conditioning. Between the ages of 13 and 19, Tyson’s life revolved around training. His intense focus led to an incredible professional debut at 18, where he racked up knockout victories at an alarming rate.
However, while D’Amato successfully ignited the fire within Tyson, he did not prepare him for life without his mentorship. Once D’Amato was gone, Tyson lacked a support system to help him navigate the pressures of fame and success. Without the same level of discipline, he made choices that led to controversies, financial struggles, and legal troubles.
Tyson’s Redemption and Wisdom
Despite his tumultuous past, Tyson has managed to find a sense of peace and purpose later in life. He has openly reflected on his experiences, acknowledging both his triumphs and mistakes. One of his most profound realizations came when he stated, “Life’s only purpose is to prepare you for death.”
Through all of his hardships, Tyson has emerged with a renewed perspective, sharing his wisdom and experiences with others. While his story is marked by ups and downs, his legacy remains one of resilience, transformation, and an undeniable impact on the world of boxing.
Ultimately, D’Amato’s influence helped shape Tyson into one of the most dominant fighters in history. However, the lack of a long-term mentor after D’Amato’s passing left him vulnerable to the pitfalls of fame and success. The question remains: Did hypnosis and D’Amato’s training make Tyson a legend or did it set him up for chaos?