Mike Tyson claims that after striking lucrative deals while incarcerated, he was $375 million richer when he was released. Tyson spent three years at the Indiana Youth Center after being found guilty of rape and sent to prison in 1992.
With Don King’s assistance, Tyson was already the heavyweight world champion a year after his release from prison. And Iron Mike became wealthy once more, despite being imprisoned, thanks to the renowned but contentious promoter. Tyson said to Andre Ward, a former world champion: “When I went to prison I had $15million (£11.5m). “When I came out I must have had $300-400million (£307m). I’m in there signing contracts in prison.”
How did Mike Tyson make so much in prison ?
After being released in 1995, Tyson had two comeback bouts before defeating Frank Bruno to win the WBC belt the following year. However, Tyson declared bankruptcy in 2003 after losing against Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis and spending $250 million (£190 million).
And after losing back-to-back to British players Danny Williams and Kevin McBride (also a tree surgeon), his career ended in 2005. Tyson’s cannabis business helped him to recover his fortune in retirement. And when he returns to fight Jake Paul after a 20-year absence, his net worth is expected to soar by an additional $40 million (£30 million).
On November 15, he squares off against the YouTuber-turned-boxer in a contentious match that is criticized for the age gap.
Tyson stated: “I’m a fighter, I feel good and I can do it. And I feel I can beat this guy.”
