Mike Tyson, the man who endured a turbulent childhood, years behind bars, a cocaine addiction, and even the infamous 2002 knockout by Lennox Lewis, has revealed a surprisingly persistent challenger: toe fungus.
In a recent interview with Jimmy Kimmel, the 59-year-old boxing legend explained that his barefoot fighting style, once a hallmark of his “hardcore” image, may have contributed to the problem.
Fighting Without Socks, But Paying the Price
“I only used to go without socks when I fought because that was my image,” Tyson told Kimmel.
“It was real hardcore, no socks.”
The downside? Fungus creeping along his toes.
“I somehow discovered that I had a disintegrating dose of foot fungus,” Tyson admitted.
“And it was really bad. It’s still really bad now.”
When Kimmel jokingly asked if foot fungus was Tyson’s greatest opponent, the former champion didn’t hesitate.
“Well, I would have to say so because it’s still kicking my ass now,” he said with a laugh.
Not Even Desenex Can Help
The talk-show host attempted to turn the situation into a light-hearted sponsorship idea, suggesting Tyson endorse an anti-fungal powder like Desenex. Tyson, however, dismissed it outright.
“Desenex can not help me,” he chuckled. “My toes look like they blew up.”
Even for someone who has faced the fiercest fighters in the world, Tyson’s humorous take shows that some battles are impossible to box your way out of.
Life After the Ring
Tyson spoke about the foot fungus nearly a year after his underwhelming fight with 27-year-old Jake Paul, showing he still has a sense of humor about life in and out of the ring.
Beyond the fungal woes, Tyson is keeping busy.
He’s preparing for another one-man show, following the success of his 2013 performance, Mike Tyson: The Undisputed Truth.
And fans can look forward to another exhibition bout, this time against 48-year-old Floyd Mayweather Jr., scheduled for next spring.
The Humor and Humanity of a Legend
Even after facing the most fearsome opponents in boxing history, Tyson proves that life’s little annoyances can be the hardest to conquer.
Toe fungus, barefoot habits, and aging feet may not make the headlines like knockout victories, but for Tyson, it’s just another battle — one he tackles with honesty, humor, and a signature grin.