Undisputed Truth: My Autobiography

Product Information

The above passage is just one example of how hilarious Mike Tyson can be at times. Overall though, I believe his story reads as a tragedy. I say it is a tragedy because even though he will be known in the history books as one of the absolute greatest boxers to ever live, he is still to this day fighting demons of his past.

Tyson does not try to sugar-coat who he was, or who he remains, at all. He writes several times that he was an "arrogant *****" during his time as heavyweight champion. The book extensively recounts Mike's violent crimes, his addictions to everything from sex and drugs to spending money. I had no idea that Tyson's drug habit was so bad that he washed out of rehab many, many times and he ballooned to 380 pounds shortly before his appearance in "The Hangover." Undisputed Truth isn’t so much about Tyson, the boxer or the famous as it is about Mike, the person inside. Its honesty and rawness is unparalleled for an autobiography. His brutality on people he measured dishonest with him is blunt as much as he is on himself. During his boxing days I was never an admirer, yet through this revealing memoir I’m beginning to understand him, and I think I’m beginning to admire the person that wants to be.Two of the most intimidating/ferocious boxers of all time in my humble opinion, but then again...I'm biased. The book is written in the first person, but it is almost like it is written by two different people; like a split personality Iron Mike the conqueror and Mike, the person living in his shadow. One minute is talking the perks of living it up as the world the women the money, then Mike talking about the shame of having betrayed the person he was with, yet he is talking about the same topic.

I have read many books this year. In fact this is the 37th book I have read. I know people who have read more but most people I know haven’t read nearly as many and yes I’m bragging because I take pride in my reading because Jadakiss was right about you Libyans. At any rate I bring up the fact that I have read so many books just to say this was the most entertaining book I have read this year BAR NONE. Another bright guy who happens to have a speech impediment (like Stallone) so people think he's retarded, but he's actually quite intelligent. It was fascinating, frank, crude, bitter-sweet, hilarious, inspiring, heartbreaking, candid, raw, account of his life. Towards the end of the book, we get more of grown-up Mike's perception. The biggest example I can think of how much he has grown is where he talks about his own beliefs. My interpretation is that he is mature enough to understand religion based on your own perceptions, and you need to make your own choices with as much information as you have. I must congratulate the writer, sorry ghost writer for putting this story together, a massive read, incredible life story, the honesty of this book, sadly does not effect my thoughts on his character and personality.Mr. Tyson's transformation is amazing. I don't watch TV, but I have seen some of his interviews on the Youtube, and it is truly amazing how one can change as a result of his life's experiences plus faith. I salute him, and say "namaste" to the divinity in him. Together the man and boy worked towards a shared goal: to be the Heavyweight Champion of the world. Tyson watched tapes and shadow boxed and listened. Cus talked and pointed Tyson in the direction of writers and zen. Everything was directed at the belt.