Mike Tyson sends seven-word message to shut down Jimmy Kimmel over ‘$5m regret’

Mike Tyson shut down Jimmy Kimmel live on television after asking him if he regretted his party lifestyle that saw him splash out $5million every few days.

The boxing legend is one of the most recognisable faces in sport, having dominated the heavyweight division during his prime.

At one point in his career, Iron Mike was the highest paid boxer in the world and was the biggest star in the sport.

Tyson fights were often huge events, with Las Vegas regularly hosting the clashes – the capital of boxing throughout the 1980s – as well as Madison Square Garden.

Millions would tune in to watch the young fighter, who was still only 19 by the time he was 23-0, knock out his opponents – almost a certainty with 26 knockout victories by the time he lifted his first heavyweight title in 1986.

Throughout the late-1980s and 1990s, Tyson was making around £20m a fight.

Over the duration of his illustrious career, it is reported that he earned over £200million – and it did not take long for a young man to go through it.

Speaking on Jimmy Kimmel Live, a US late-night chat show, Tyson said: “Five million dollars might go in a couple of days, yeah. I’m a big spender.

“No, not now but when I was a young kid $5million might go in a couple of days.”

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When Kimmel asked if he ever regretted his big-money blowouts, Tyson lashed out six words: “Never!

“I had a great time.”

While the light shone bright on Tyson during his heyday in the ring, it was gone as quick as it arrived when he filed for bankruptcy in 2003.

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The boxing legend has struggled with addiction and drugs over his career and he retired amid financial difficulties in 2005 after two shock defeats.

Since then, Tyson has returned to wealth with movie roles and business partnerships – also starting a cannabis company that makes £500,000 a month.

And he is now set to return to the ring in November when he takes on YouTube star Jake Paul in Texas, in controversial circumstances.

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Now aged 58, the once-great has been warned about fighting a man 31 years younger than him and even had to pull out of the first date in July due to a health scare.

Medical expects have declared him fit to fight Paul, who has 10 wins out of 11 on his boxing record.