Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Basketball, Boxing, Franz Beckenbauer, Mike Tyson, Kobe Bryant
Marcus Chan
Topics: Basketball, Boxing, Franz Beckenbauer, Mike Tyson, Kobe Bryant
Boxing legend Mike Tyson has revealed how Kobe Bryant’s death changed him as a person.
Back in January 2020, the world of sports was shaken to its core after it was confirmed that NBA great Bryant had passed away.
The 41-year-old was killed after the helicopter he was in crashed into the side of a mountain in Calabasas, Los Angeles.
Bryant, his daughter and seven other passengers were all killed on impact.
Speaking in February 2020, Tyson revealed why he has become a different person after Bryant’s passing.
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He said on his ‘Hotboxin’ With Mike Tyson podcast: “I’m a different person now since that happened.
“I don’t even know what happened, but I’m different, and I like to believe I have more gratitude. I’m more grateful for my existence and the air that I breathe and for my family.”
Tyson added: “I get cocky sometimes and think I can get a lot of people, a lot of broads, and I just need to have more gratitude. I forget about gratitude sometimes. You forget how precious life is.”
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Tyson was originally set to take on YouTuber turned boxer Jake Paul on July 20 but the fight has been rescheduled after the 57-year-old suffered a medical scare.
Instead, the fight will now take place at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on November 15.
Fellow NBA legend, Michael Jordan, said during an emotional speech at Bryant’s memorial: “As I got to know him, I wanted to be the best big brother that I could be.
“I am inspired by what he's done and what he's shared with Vanessa and his kids. When Kobe Bryant died, a piece of me died.”
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During his illustrious career, Bryant played only for the Los Angeles Lakers during his career and won five NBA championships with the team.
He was also named the NBA Finals MVP on two occasions and NBA Most Valuable Player once in 2008.