Mike Tyson, the former world heavyweight boxing champion was one of the guests attending the 2008 Cannes Film Festival. His old friend James “Fingers” Toback was the director of a documentary starring and revolving around Mike Tyson called “Tyson.” This was a graphic and no-holds barred documentary centered on the life and career of Tyson.
In this film, old video footage and TV interviews of Mike Tyson were combined in that documentary. Mike Tyson talked about his life such as how he was an overweight kid who got beaten up and robbed. Tyson wasn’t holding back in an interview with reporters on Saturday.
Tyson said to reporters: “I used drugs. I had altercations with dangerous people. I slept with guys’ wives that wanted to kill me. I’m just happy to be here, you know. It’s just a miracle.”
So far, Tyson admitted just about everything. One such incident was biting off a piece of Evander Holyfield’s ear back in 1997. To Tyson, that was one of his very bad let alone numerous bad choices. Back in 1997, the bite to the ear had made various headlines.
Tyson was also sentenced to three years behind bars for the rape of the 18-year old beauty queen back in 1991. However, Tyson said he didn’t rape her. Still to this day, Tyson proclaims his innocence. But, he admitted that he has been abusive to women.
At the end of the screening, Tyson received a large and long ovation. Interestingly enough, Hollywood actor Brad Pitt along with actress Angelina Jolie was also at Cannes. Before Brad Pitt became a major star, he dated actress Robin Givens.
That was confirmed when Givens was on Oprah. Givens explains that while in a hotel room with Brad, Tyson broke down the door. During that altercation, Mike Tyson tried to beat up Brad Pitt. Givens was once married to Tyson. Givens and Tyson were married from 1988 to 1989.
Givens had accused Tyson of spousal abuse.
In boxing, the biggest upset could be considered when Tyson was knocked out by Buster Douglas.
In the regards to this documentary, the world gets to see what it is really like to be Mike Tyson.