Mike Tyson, the former heavyweight boxing champion, is known for his fierce presence inside the ring as well as his unconventional lifestyle outside of it. One of the most shocking aspects of Tyson’s personal life involved his famous pet tigers, which he owned during the height of his career.

Tyson reportedly paid $50,000 each for his pet tigers, adding them to his lavish lifestyle in the 1990s. These exotic animals, which Tyson kept as pets, were more than just a symbol of his wealth and eccentricity; they became a part of his larger-than-life persona. He had multiple tigers during this period, with some of the most notable ones being named Kenya, Boris, and Storm.

The world was captivated by Tyson’s bond with these fierce creatures, and the idea of a world champion boxer keeping dangerous tigers as pets only added to his enigmatic image. However, owning such powerful animals came with its own set of challenges and risks.

In a turn of events that would forever change Tyson’s relationship with his tigers, one of the animals attacked a visitor in 2003, resulting in a horrific injury. The tiger “ripped someone’s arm off,” leaving the victim with severe injuries that required immediate medical attention.

This attack led to a major legal battle and cost Tyson an enormous sum in compensation. The victim sued Tyson, and the legal proceedings ultimately resulted in Tyson being ordered to pay $250,000 in damages. The attack, coupled with the financial fallout, was a major turning point in Tyson’s life, leading him to re-evaluate the decision to keep such dangerous animals.

Following the attack, Tyson was forced to reconsider his decision to keep the tigers as pets. The emotional and financial consequences of the incident weighed heavily on him, and he eventually decided to part ways with the animals. The tigers were sent to a sanctuary, and Tyson no longer kept exotic animals.

Tyson has since expressed regret over his decision to own such dangerous pets, acknowledging that the tigers were a part of a lifestyle that was fueled by excess and impulsive decisions. In later interviews, Tyson has reflected on his past mistakes, including his decision to own exotic animals, and how they contributed to the chaotic and turbulent period of his life.

The incident involving the tiger attack serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with keeping wild animals in domestic environments. Tyson’s experience highlighted the inherent danger of housing such powerful creatures and the potential for tragedy when animals are kept in conditions outside of their natural habitat.

While Tyson’s relationship with his tigers may have ended on a tragic note, the story remains a part of the larger-than-life narrative surrounding one of the most iconic figures in sports history.