Tyson does not expect to regain boxing license

Jet, Nov 24, 1997

Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson recently revealed that he doesn't think the Nevada Athletic Commission will re-issue his boxing license.

"Truly, I think I'll be banned for the rest of my life," he said during an interview on ABC's "Prime Time Live."

"I think everyone hates me. I truly believe that because no one gets punished more than I am. But I understand," Tyson said on the show.

Tyson was stripped of his Nevada boxing license after his title rematch with Evander Holyfield. Tyson was disqualified after biting Holyfield on both ears. One bite took off a piece of Holyfield's ear. Tyson can request reinstatement after one year.

The ex-champ said he feels "disgust, disdain and humiliation" when he watches tapes of the dramatic fight.

"I'm not a stable person. I'm pretty sporadic and spontaneous," he said. "...I know I have a problem. There's no doubt about that."

Tyson also talked about his new marriage to Dr. Monica Turner.

Tyson admitted that he's "a difficult person to live with" and the relationship is working because "she's putting more work in than I am.

"She's a good woman. I'd really hate to lose her, you know?...But if I do, it would just be my fault. That's just the way it is. That's who I am."

"PrimeTime Live" continued its interview with Tyson along with his wife and family at their Connecticut estate. The couple was surrounded by three of their children, Amir, 3 months, Reina, 20 months, and Turner's child from a previous relationship, Gina, age 8.

Turner said that the relationship between her and Tyson has grown.

"I think our relationship is great. It's great, but it's just getting better as time goes on," she said.

Responding to people's assumption that Turner married Tyson for his money, she said, "I really don't care what they think, to be honest. I mean, I love him for him. You know, and I've known him for a long time. And I've known him when things were good, when things were bad. And I just love him either way."

Turner also defended her new husband from the treatment he receives.

"I think people are just too hard on him. I think that they shouldn't be so judgmental of him because he's really a sweet and a real caring person. He's a good guy, and I think people are just too hard on him."