Legendary American boxer Mike Tyson, who is on his maiden visit to India to inaugurate a mixed martial arts league (Kumite 1 League), talks to DNA about reliving his troubled childhood days by visiting slums in Mumbai. Excerpts:

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What are you most looking forward to from your first visit to India?

I expect to go to the slums. Slums in India are widespread. I just want to see, because I come from the slums as well. I want to see people who are like me. It will be like a flashback (of my childhood).

How much of a role did your tough childhood days play in making you the feared, aggressive boxing champion that you were?

Yes, I lived in hell. I lived in a slum. Only if I won did I take one step out of the slum. So, my only purpose was to win. Win, that’s it. 

Did that make you more desperate to dominate the boxing world?

I trained all my life to be the champion of the world. The dream came true. I am happy.

What is your message to the kids who live in slums, especially in India?

Don’t give up on your dreams. Your dream is to get out of the slums, so believe in yourself.

You have been part of a lot of historic battles in your career. Which is your memorable one?

Oh God, that’s a tough one! There have been quite a few – against (Evander) Holyfield, (Lennox) Lewis, Buster Douglas. My first fight with Trevor Berbick when I won the world title is also special.

You probably had the most exciting sporting careers. How would you sum up your journey?

I like that word — exciting. Yes, it was indeed exciting.

If not a boxer, what would you have been?

I don’t know. I don’t know what I would have chosen. Hopefully, I wouldn’t have been in trouble because boxing saved my life. I had bad habits of going to bad places (as a kid), so boxing saved my life.

Would you like to be born as Mike Tyson in your next life?

Whatever Allah allows me to be, I will – dog, bird or whatever.

Who is your current favourite boxer?

Eroll Spence Jr and Vasyl Lomachenko.

Have you seen some of the Indian boxers?

No, I don’t follow Indian boxing.

What sport do you follow apart from boxing?

Tennis. I like Novak Djokovic, though Roger Federer is really good too.

What are your plans for the next five years?

I just want to live my life, take care of my kids and watch them grow up.