Mike Tyson opens up about his turbulent childhood, abusive mother, mentor Cus D'Amato's life-changing influence, his struggles with addiction and incarceration, his obsession with fighting as an escape, and lessons from famous warriors—revealing how hardship shaped the heavyweight champion who became one of history's most recognizable figures. Cus D'Amato told Tyson at age 12 he was the greatest fighter in the world, providing the belief and structure that transformed a troubled kid into a heavyweight champion by 20.