The top 25 Mike Tyson quotes on boxing, life, and overcoming adversity

The top 25 Mike Tyson quotes on boxing, life, and overcoming adversity

Grace Waruguru
updated at May 2, 2023 at 3:03 AM

How many Mike Tyson quotes do you know? The legendary boxer has inspired generations through his catchy phrases that you can apply in several life seasons. Here are some of the most inspirational quotes by the retired boxing champion.

Mike Tyson quotes
Former Boxer Mike Tyson looks on before the Cruiserweight Title fight between Jake Paul and Tommy Fury at the Diriyah Arena on February 26, 2023, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Photo: Francois Nel (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

Mike Tyson’s professional career lasted 20 years, earning him global awards and recognition for his forceful fighting skills and tenacious personality. The different seasons as an athlete led him to create motivational sayings we can all learn from. Check out these famous Mike Tyson quotes.

Mike Tyson quotes

Michael Gerald Tyson, whose nickname is Iron Mike, experienced fame at an early age when he became the youngest heavyweight champion in history. Tyson’s story is inspirational, to say the least. Here are some of the best Mike Tyson quotes:

  • Everyone has a plan till they get punched in the mouth
  • I love to hit people; I love to.
  • God lets everything happen for a reason. It's all a learning process, and you have to go from one level to another.

Mike Tyson quotes about life

Mike Tyson quotes about life
Mike Tyson attends the Ladylike Foundation Bowling Classic at Lucky Strike LA Live on February 11, 2022, in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Rodin Eckenroth (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

Netizens have asked, ‘’What is Mike Tyson’s best ever quote? The retired boxer has several quotes you can refer to during various life seasons or transitions. Here are some of them:

  • I'm just like you. I enjoy the forbidden fruits in life, too.
  • I intend to fight, and I want to win. But my priorities are basically to be a good brother and a strong one, and to try to be a good father one day.
  • I'm a dreamer. I have to dream and reach for the stars; if I miss a star, I grab a handful of clouds.
  • You can't stay married in a situation where you are afraid to go to sleep in case your wife might cut your throat.

Mike Tyson’s quotes about fighting

With such a successful career, the retired heavyweight champion likely has incredible nuggets of wisdom that upcoming athletes can borrow from. Check out Mike Tyson’s quotes about boxing:

Mike Tyson quotes about fighting
Mike Tyson attends Celebration of Smiles Event hosted by Dionne Warwick on her 81st Birthday to benefit medical charity organization Operation Smile and The Kind Music Academy on December 12, 2021, in Malibu, California. Photo: JC Olivera (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images
  • When you see me smash somebody’s skull, you’ll enjoy it.
  • I’m going to gut you like a fish.
  • I could feel his muscle tissues collapse under my force. It's ludicrous these mortals even attempt to enter my realm.
  • When I fight someone, I want to break his will. I want to take his manhood. I want to rip out his heart and show it to him.
  • I'm not much for talking. You know what I do. I put guys in body bags when I'm right.

Mike Tyson’s quotes about money

Mike boasts an impressive net worth of $10 million, primarily from his professional career. Here are some of Mike Tyson’s short quotes about money:

  • Real freedom is having nothing; I was freer when I didn’t have a cent.
  • I know why they don’t like me; because they want the money I have.
  • That equals being a fool, having fame and no fortune. A lot of guys out there have fame doing this and doing that, but they are broke.
  • Our money is bait money, and bait money is not to be used.
  • I can inspire people on how to use money, how to be economically powerful.

Mike Tyson’s quotes about training

Mike Tyson quotes about training
Mike Tyson on June 16, 2022, in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Hollywood To You (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

The success of any sport is significantly attributed to the training and disciplines athletes must endure. Here are some of Tyson’s quotes about discipline and training:

  • I just want to do what I do best, and that's fight. I love it.
  • As long as we persevere and endure, we can get anything we want.
  • Discipline is doing what you hate to do but nonetheless doing it like you love it.

Mike Tyson’s quotes about fear

Iron Mike is undoubtedly one of the most fearless sports personalities ever. What did Mike Tyson say about fear? 

  • Fear is your best friend or your worst enemy. It's like fire. If you can control it, it can cook for you; it can heat your house. If you can't control it, it will burn everything around you and destroy you.
  • Fear is the greatest obstacle to learning.
  • Fear is something we create in our own minds.
  • There’s nothing to fear but fear itself. It’s an illusion of fear. Fear is an illusion. If you're going to die, you’re going to die anyway; it’s not something to fear, and fear is not going to help.

Mike Tyson’s quotes about Muhammad Ali

Mike Tyson quotes about Muhammad Ali
Mike Tyson watches Petra Kvitova and Elena Rybakina during the Women's Final of the Miami Open on April 1, 2023, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. Photo: Aaron Gilbert (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

Mike Tyson was a diehard fan of Muhammad Ali since childhood. Here is what he said about the legend:

  • Ali is the greatest of all time. He can be modest, humble, and nice, but this man is great.

Mike's other quotes

Mike Tyson’s funny quotes

Besides being a prolific player, Tyson is also a hilarious individual. Here are some of Mike’s phrases that will tickle your bone:

  • I don't understand why people would want to get rid of pigeons. They don't bother no one.
  • I'm not Mother Teresa, but I'm not Charles Manson, either.
  • Sometimes I put on a ski mask and dress in old clothes, go out on the streets and beg for quarters.
  • I’m a nutcase, but that is what I believe.

Mike Tyson’s quotes about social media

Mike Tyson quotes about social media
Former Boxer Mike Tyson looks on before the Cruiserweight Title fight between Jake Paul and Tommy Fury at the Diriyah Arena on February 26, 2023, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Photo: Francois Nel (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

The boxing legend has shared his opinion on social media. Here is what he said:

  • Social media made y'all way too comfortable with disrespecting people and not getting punched in the face for it.

These Mike Tyson quotes are telling of an individual whose thoughts and ideas have shaped several facets of life, influencing sports and non-sports personalities. These incredible phrases will undoubtedly outlive the legend and remain relevant for years.

READ ALSO: The best Shaquille O'Neal quotes to remember in life

Sports Brief published inspirational quotes by Shaquille O’Neal, whose professional debut as a basketball player was in 1992. Since then, he has become one of the most successful athletes worldwide. What are some of his quotes that you can borrow for different life situations?

One of them is, ‘’I never worry about the problem; I worry about the solution.’’ O’Neal also urges people not to vocalize their righteousness, ‘’When you’re righteous, you don’t have to tell people that you’re righteous.’’ Click on the link above to learn more quotes from him.

Authors
Grace Waruguru photo
Grace Waruguru
Grace has over 4 years of experience in article writing and digital media content creation for various local and global brands. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication (Public Relations) from Daystar University, Kenya.
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