They called me a 'rapist' and a 'recluse.' I'm not a recluse.
I'm just happy I'm not a phoney.
He didn't have no respect as a professional fighter should, no class. I was going to make him pay with his health for everything he said... I wanted to do it very slowly. I wanted him to remember this for a long time.
Everybody in boxing probably makes out well except for the fighter.
I could have knocked him out in the 3rd round but I wanted to do it slowly, So he would remember this night for a long time.
I can't change myself. I'm Mike Tyson. I'm a regular kid from the getto striving to do something positive with myself. I happen to fight well.
I tried to stay away from King. You can't do it. It's like staying away from taxes. Sooner or later, he'll get you.
I love to hit people. I love to.
Not to be egotistical, but I don't think there is a man on this planet who can beat me
How dare these boxers challenge me with their primitive skills? It makes me angry.
I just did what I did in my era, basically because of my admiration for the guys who came before me. That's how I've always looked at it. I never thought of boxing like, I'm going to be the greatest fighter ever and make a lot of money. Instead, I thought I was going to win because I learned from the best. I carefully studied the videotapes of all the fighters from the past, dissected their styles, and entered the ring with their spirit.
If he's not dead, it doesn't count.
I didn't know how to be any other way. I felt like one of those barbarian kings just coming to conquer the Roman Empire.
I felt Holyfield was using his head illegally. I told the referee I wasn't getting any help, so I went back to the streets. I cannot defend it, but it happened.
It's nothing personal, but I'm going to kill this guy
Don't be surprised if I behave like a savage. I am a savage
I'm not Mother Teresa, but I'm not Charles Manson, either.
I ain't the same person I was when I bit that guy's ear off.
For this fight my blood, my soul, everything was on the line.
I don't think boxing took more from me then I got in return. It gave me everything that I took from it. It was all fair.
What really amazed me was when I sent a suit out for cleaning, forgetting that $700 was in the pocket. They sent the suit back to me. If that happened in New York, both money and suit would be gone.
Most of my fans are too sensitive. I’m a cruel and cold and hard person. I’ve been abused in every way you can imagine. Save your tears. I lost my sensitivity. You embarrass me when you cry.
I just want them to keep bringing guys on and I'am going to strip them of their health. I bring pain a lot of pain.
Sued King for $100 million, alleging the boxing promoter cheated him out of millions over more than a decade. It was settled out of court for $14 million.
I'm just a sucker even talking to you guys. I should be ready to rip your heads off your necks. But it's just not the right thing to do
