When it comes to sporting super-stardom, there aren’t too many names bigger than that of “Iron” Mike Tyson. Competing for 20 years from 1985 to 2005, Tyson was undisputed heavy-weight champion of the world, renowned for first round knock-outs of opponents.
When he retired in 2005, Tyson went on to experience a number of weight-related health issues. At one point post-retirement, the 5’ 10” Tyson weighed in at nearly 27 stone! Drugs and alcohol played their part in that. However, as a fighter is by name they are by nature and Tyson made it a mission to turn his health around. And the way that he did that? Veganism.
Tyson went vegan in 2010 and credits the lifestyle with transforming his health. In 2013, Tyson told Oprah Winfrey that:
“Becoming a vegan gave me another opportunity to live a healthy life. I was so congested from all the drugs and bad cocaine, I could hardly breathe. High blood pressure, almost dying, arthritis, and once I became a vegan all that stuff diminished.”
Powerful words from a powerful athlete.
Here we are now, 15 years after his retirement from professional boxing, and Tyson is actively considering making a return to the ring for exhibition fights. He is 53 and believes that it is through his vegan diet that he is even able to consider that. Tyson said:
“I’ve been working out, I’ve been trying to get in the ring, I think I’m going to box some exhibitions and get in shape. I want to go to the gym and get in shape to be able to box three or four-round exhibitions for some charities and stuff.”
Tyson may not go on to box at the very highest levels, but, as a vegan athlete, he perfectly encapsulates how empowering the diet is. His vegan lifestyle continues to allow him to pack a truly effective punch.
