Boxer Mike Tyson admits to using fentanyl in his career. Image: Getty Images via New York Post.
(The Post News) – On episode five of the Katie Miller Podcast, former boxing heavyweight champion Mike Tyson admitted to using fentanyl for years in his career to deal with pain.
Speaking on an episode aired earlier this week, he revealed that he was first introduced to the drug in the late 1990s, when fentanyl was still relatively new. He explained that it began as a painkiller for an injured toe but quickly spiraled into a cycle.
“I used to use it to patch up my toe,” Tyson said, comparing fentanyl to heroin, calling it nothing more than a temporary “Band-Aid.” He added that, like heroin, once the relief wore off, the withdrawal symptoms, including vomiting, would begin. According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), fentanyl is estimated to be 50 times stronger than heroin.
Tyson Admits to using the Drug A Number of Times
Tyson admitted he used it “quite a few times” throughout his career, though he initially did not realize it was a narcotic until a friend told him. The same friend also warned that traces of fentanyl in his bloodstream would be considered illegal under boxing regulations.
Despite his struggles, Tyson continues to share his story. He recently announced the return of his one-man stage show, Return of the Mike, set to premiere next spring. The unfiltered performance will see Tyson revisit controversial headlines, personal battles, and defining moments from his career.
Meanwhile, the 59-year-old boxing legend is also expected to step back into the ring soon, with a fight against Floyd Mayweather planned for in the upcoming month.
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