“Go in this abandoned building,” Mike Tyson reveals how school bullies led to his love for pigeons

Mike Tyson would avoid school because of bullies, which eventually led to his love for pigeons

Mike Tyson (image credit- The Bleacher Report)

When the name Mike Tyson is uttered, several things come into an individual’s mind. These might include him being the baddest man alive, a legendary, undisputed heavyweight champion, and a cultural icon. However, another one of his character-defining traits is his profound love for pigeons. As such, during a recent episode of Hotboxin with Mike Tyson, he revealed how this fascination started.

The famous American rapper Rick Ross appeared as a special guest during the episode. As such, Ross mentioned how he personally loves animals and brought up Tyson’s well-known love for pigeons. Many boxing fans are also aware that Tyson got into his first fight because of one of his pigeons. Subsequently, Ross asked Tyson who taught him about pigeons.

They told me to go in this abandoned building, and I didn't know what to say. I went to the building, and we climbed on the roof, and I saw a pigeon cage with birds around

Mike Tyson via Hotboxin with Mike Tyson

Tyson used to live in Brooklyn, New York and had a harsh upbringing. He was bullied quite often when he was 10 years old. This prompted him to avoid going to school. However, one day some older kids approached him. They asked him for some money and later asked Tyson to hang out with them.

Eventually, the older kids took Tyson to an abandoned building, and this was the first time he had an interaction with birds on the roof. He later returned to the building, and the older kids shooed him away, assuming that Tyson wanted to steal the birds. However, Mike Tyson was later accepted by them.

Related: Watch: Mike Tyson shows off his pigeons to Muhammad Ali’s grandson Nico Ali Walsh

Mike Tyson agrees to feature on Rick Ross’s album

According to Tyson’s podcast, an unexpected collaboration may occur. During the recent episode with Ross, the conversation took an unexpected turn. As such, Ross, known for his lavish lifestyle and bravado-laced songs, spoke about being in the ‘zenith’.
Rick Ross and Mike Tyson (image credit- Marca, The Guardian)
Tyson responded to this by mentioning how ‘zenith’ means the pinnacle or the highest point. This is reflected in how well Tyson is versed in the English language. Rick Ross was quite impressed and even suggested naming his next album ‘Zenith’. In addition, Ross even asked if Tyson would appear on the album, and Tyson stated:

What you need me to do?

Mike Tyson via Hotboxin with Mike Tyson

Tyson responded with a quick reply and fist-bumped Ross to show that he was ready to appear in the album. The rapper responded by stating that he needed Tyson to ‘spit a verse’ and Tyson agreed. The former champion also spoke about ‘Nadir’, which is the opposite of ‘Zenith’. Subsequently, Tyson mentioned that his ‘Nadir’ or lowest point was when his daughter passed away.