Who is Mike Tyson's father? Learn about the boxing legend's parents

By the time Mike was 13, he had been arrested 38 times for criminal activity, including robbery and fighting. This is a clear indication of the lack of parental guidance he received growing up in the rough neighborhood of Brownsville, Brooklyn. With the constant threat of death in the poor neighborhood, Tyson developed self-defense skills and learned how to fight at an early age. But the question arises: where were his parents?

Many athletes attribute their success to their parents, but the former world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson He doesn't know, because he didn't have the chance to be raised by his parents. In fact, he doesn't know anything about his father.

What happened to Mike Tyson's biological father?

Mike was born Lorna Mae Smith and Purcell Tyson June 30, 1966. But Mike never knew or met his biological father. In his biography, “Undisputed Truth,” the former boxer says: “I don't know much about my father's family. In fact, I barely knew him.” Moreover, thanks to his birth certificate, he now knows the name of his biological father.

Apparently, Purcell and Lorna met and married in New York. However, their marriage did not last long and the two separated. Records indicate that Purcell was of Jamaican descent and worked as a taxi driver. There is not much information about Purcell Tyson. However, Mike only found out about Purcell a little later. Prior to that, he was told that Jimmy Kirkpatrick was the father. Find out who Kirkpatrick was and what role he played in Tyson's life.

On Jimmy Kirkpatrick, who Tyson thought was his father

Mike had two older brothers and a sister. The three children considered Jimmy Kirkpatrick their father. However, Kirkpatrick left the family when Tyson was two years old. He never married Lorna and spent very little time with his children. The former world heavyweight champion said in his biography that Jimmy “Curly” Kirkpatrick Jr. barely appeared. There were also rumors that Curly was a pimp and swindled money out of women. Later, Kirkpatrick began calling himself a deacon in church.

“Iron Mike” said in his biography: “Carly would regularly drive up to where we were staying. He and my mother never spoke, he would just honk the horn and we would just go and see him. The kids would get in his Cadillac and we would think it was a trip to Coney Island or Brighton Beach, but he would drive for a few minutes, come back to our apartment building, give my money, kiss my sister, hold my brother and I's hands and that was it. It'll probably be another year before we see him again.”

Tyson also said that he was keen for people to know that he was the son of a pimp. Why? Because in the rough neighborhoods where Tyson lived, being the son of a pimp carried weight. But Kirkpatrick wasn't much involved in Tyson's life. In 1992, while Tyson was serving time in prison, he learned that Kirkpatrick had died. The boxing champion was concerned when he heard the news, but reportedly did not ask permission from the prison to attend the funeral.

Mike Tyson's mother and the man who shaped his life

With no money and living in a disadvantaged area, Mike's mother was not prepared for a normal life. Tyson was involved in a robbery when he was 10 or 11 years old. He always came home with brand new clothes, but even his mother knew where they came from. There was nothing she could do. His relationship with his mother was not a normal mother-son relationship. Tyson's mother died of cancer when he was 16. But Cus D'AmatoThe legendary boxing coach had embraced him long before that.

Mike considered D'Amato his mentor and even became the legal guardian of his young child after his mother died. Tyson was D'Amato's partner. Camille Ewald D'Amato was the first father figure in Mike Tyson's life, and he instilled in Tyson the essential qualities of discipline and hard work. Under his guidance and watch, Tyson began his professional boxing career. The legendary boxer has openly expressed his respect and affection for D'Amato in numerous interviews.

In November 1985, Cus D'Amato passed away from pneumonia at the age of 77. Mike Tyson had no one to care for him. He was once again alone and without a mentor. But he didn't give up on his boxing journey. Just one year after D'Amato's death, Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion in boxing history.

After a life filled with tragedy and loss, Tyson is now blessed with a beautiful family of seven children, fathered by four different women, although the 58-year-old is currently living with his third wife. Lakiha SpicerHe respects Spicer a lot and considers her his rock. He gives his kids everything he never had. What do you think about Mike Tyson's turbulent life? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.