Mike Tyson: A Legendary Figure in Boxing History
Mike Tyson, also known as “Iron Mike,” is one of the most iconic and controversial boxers in history. Known for his explosive power, aggressive fighting style, and turbulent personal life, Tyson captivated the world throughout the 1980s and 1990s. But even beyond his boxing glory days, fans still ask many questions: Who is Mike Tyson’s coach? What are the benefits of his famous push-up workouts? Is Mike Tyson sick? What happened to his daughter? And most of all, is he still alive?
This article answers all these questions while diving deep into the fascinating and ongoing journey of Mike Tyson.
Mike Tyson’s Coach: Who Trained the Beast?
Cus D’Amato – The Original Mentor
Mike Tyson’s legendary boxing career began under the watchful eye of Cus D’Amato, a visionary trainer who also worked with Floyd Patterson and José Torres. D’Amato adopted Tyson as a teenager and helped shape him into the youngest heavyweight champion in history at just 20 years old.
D’Amato’s philosophy wasn’t just physical—he deeply influenced Tyson’s mental and emotional development. He taught Tyson discipline, fear control, and the psychological warfare involved in boxing.
“Cus D’Amato was my father, my mentor, my everything,” Tyson once said.
Kevin Rooney – Tactical Precision
After D’Amato’s death in 1985, Kevin Rooney, a former protégé of Cus, took over Tyson’s training. Rooney is credited with refining Tyson’s peek-a-boo style—a defense-heavy approach with rapid counterpunching. During Rooney’s tenure, Tyson went undefeated and won multiple world titles.
Unfortunately, their partnership ended when Tyson parted ways with Rooney in the late 1980s after falling under the influence of Don King. Many boxing analysts believe that Tyson’s career declined following Rooney’s departure.
Rafael Cordeiro – Tyson’s Comeback Coach
In recent years, Tyson made headlines for returning to the ring in 2020 for an exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr. For his comeback, he trained under Rafael Cordeiro, a Brazilian MMA coach known for coaching legends like Anderson Silva and Wanderlei Silva.
Cordeiro brought a modern MMA twist to Tyson’s workouts, integrating old-school boxing with new-age fitness regimens. The result was a 54-year-old Tyson looking fast, lean, and powerful.
Push-Ups: The Secret Behind Mike Tyson’s Power
Mike Tyson’s Brutal Workout Routine
Tyson’s early training involved a staggering 500 push-ups a day, often broken into sets of 50 to 100. Push-ups played a critical role in building Tyson’s chest, shoulders, triceps, and core strength.
Here’s a snapshot of Tyson’s classic prison workout (while he was serving time in the early 1990s):
- 500 push-ups
- 2,000 sit-ups
- 500 dips
- 500 shrugs with a 30kg barbell
- 30 minutes of neck bridges
Benefits of Push-Ups in Tyson’s Training
- Upper Body Strength – Push-ups activate the chest, shoulders, and triceps, all essential for generating punching power.
- Endurance and Stamina – Repetitive bodyweight exercises helped Tyson develop unmatched cardiovascular and muscular endurance.
- Discipline and Mental Fortitude – Performing hundreds of push-ups daily builds mental toughness, a key aspect of Tyson’s ring persona.
- Functional Core Strength – Core stability and explosive movement are critical in boxing. Push-ups, especially variations like diamond and archer push-ups, supported Tyson’s agility and knockout power.
- No Equipment Needed – Tyson often trained in confinement or minimal setups. Push-ups were accessible, efficient, and results-driven.
Is Mike Tyson Sick? Health and Recent Updates
Health Rumors and Clarification
In 2022, concerns about Mike Tyson’s health surfaced when he was seen in a wheelchair at Miami Airport. Speculation about a terminal illness quickly spread, especially due to his candid comments about mortality.
In an episode of his podcast Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson, he said:
“We’re all gonna die one day, of course… But I think my expiration date is coming soon.”
These statements worried fans, but Tyson later clarified that he wasn’t suffering from any terminal disease. The wheelchair sighting was reportedly related to sciatica, a nerve condition that causes intense pain in the lower back and legs.
Is Mike Tyson Sick Today?
As of 2025, Tyson is alive and not terminally ill, though he continues to deal with aging-related health issues. He remains active in business ventures, podcasts, and public appearances.
Mike Tyson’s Daughter: A Tragic Loss and a Private Life
Exodus Tyson: Tragedy in 2009
One of the most heartbreaking chapters in Tyson’s life came in 2009, when his 4-year-old daughter, Exodus Tyson, died in a tragic treadmill accident. She was found by her 7-year-old brother, tangled in a cord hanging from the treadmill, and passed away shortly after being hospitalized.
Tyson, devastated, later said in interviews that the incident was one of the darkest times of his life and forced him to reassess his priorities.
“My first instinct was a lot of rage… Then I realized I had to let it go. It’s something I’ll always live with.”
Other Children: A Proud Father
Mike Tyson has seven children with different women. Despite his troubled past, Tyson now maintains a stronger, more positive relationship with his children. His daughter Milan Tyson, born in 2008, is a rising tennis star. She trains at prestigious academies and shows promise for a professional career.
Tyson often shares glimpses of her training and achievements on social media, describing himself as a proud “tennis dad.”
Is Mike Tyson Still Alive in 2025?
Yes, Mike Tyson is still alive and active in 2025. Despite past rumors and health scares, Tyson continues to defy expectations.
Current Activities
- Podcast Host: Tyson hosts Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson, where he interviews celebrities, athletes, and thinkers.
- Business Ventures: Tyson launched Tyson 2.0, a cannabis brand, reflecting his advocacy for marijuana legalization.
- TV Appearances: He frequently appears in interviews, Netflix documentaries, and reality TV shows.
- Public Speaking: Tyson speaks at events and seminars about mental health, addiction, and his personal journey from rage to peace.
Social Media Presence
With millions of followers on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), Tyson shares training videos, motivational quotes, and updates on his life. Fans appreciate his openness and humility, a stark contrast to the ferocious fighter they once knew.
Mike Tyson’s Legacy: More Than Just Knockouts
Boxing Records
- Total Fights: 58
- Wins: 50 (44 by KO)
- Losses: 6
- Draws: 2
Mike Tyson became the undisputed heavyweight champion and the youngest to ever win a heavyweight title at age 20. His first-round knockouts and intimidating ring presence redefined the sport of boxing.
From Chaos to Redemption
Tyson’s post-boxing life has been filled with ups and downs—legal troubles, financial ruin, drug addiction, and mental health struggles. However, the man today is reflective, philosophical, and surprisingly gentle.
“The best fighter in the world is never angry,” Tyson has said in recent interviews, showing the wisdom age has brought him.
FAQs About Mike Tyson
1. Who was Mike Tyson’s first coach?
His first major coach was Cus D’Amato, who mentored him from his teens and changed his life forever.
2. How many push-ups did Mike Tyson do?
He reportedly did up to 500 push-ups a day, especially during prison time and intense training camps.
3. Is Mike Tyson sick now?
No, he is not terminally sick, though he deals with sciatica, a painful nerve condition.
4. What happened to Mike Tyson’s daughter?
His daughter Exodus Tyson tragically passed away in 2009 due to a treadmill accident.
5. Is Mike Tyson alive in 2025?
Yes, Mike Tyson is alive, active in media, business, and public appearances.
Conclusion: Mike Tyson’s Ongoing Journey
Mike Tyson’s story is a rollercoaster of triumph, tragedy, redemption, and transformation. From a troubled youth to heavyweight champion, from prison cells to meditation rooms, and from rage to reflection, Tyson is a man who has truly lived a thousand lives.
His coach’s influence, his commitment to physical fitness through routines like push-ups, his resilience in the face of health challenges, and his love for his children reveal a multi-dimensional figure far deeper than his fearsome boxing persona.
As of 2025, Mike Tyson is still alive—both in the physical sense and in the cultural consciousness. He remains a legend, a cautionary tale, and most importantly, a man constantly evolving.
