Mike Tyson is an infamous name known for his ferocious presence in the world of boxing and his controversial life outside the ring. The former heavyweight champion’s career is marked by highs and lows, including personal struggles, legendary victories and a long list of titles that seem to follow him wherever he goes. With a career spanning decades, Tyson has been as much a part of pop culture as he is of sports history. Now, almost two decades later, the boxing legend has donned the gloves again for an epic fight against Jake Paul.

Beyond the gloves and the fame, Tyson’s personal life has had its share of twists and turns and tragedies. The baddest man on the planet, who has been married three times and has eight children from different relationships. Although his children mostly stay out of the limelight, they played a crucial role in transforming a feared fighter into a more emotional person. But one of his children, his daughter Exodus, holds a special place in Tyson’s heart. The story behind his chest tattoo is a deeply emotional reminder of the Exodus in his life.

The real story behind Mike Tyson’s chest tattoo

Born into poverty, Mike Tyson faced adversity from a young age. Although the boxer reached the heights of success, his life was not easy. From substance abuse to legal troubles to personal setbacks, Tyson has faced many hardships. However, the death of his daughter, Exodus Sierra Tyson was one of the most heartbreaking moments in his life.

While many fans associate Tyson’s tattoo with his tough persona, the real story behind it is much more emotional. At the age of 42, Tyson faced a personal tragedy when Exodus tragically died in 2009. The circumstances of her passing were both shocking and devastating.

Asked about the lowest point of his life on a Rick Ross podcast, he shared:

Tyson was further asked how he recovered from his tragic loss, which he admitted he never recovered from but lives with.

How did Mike Tyson’s daughter Exodus die?

Exodus’ heartbreaking death still haunts Mike Tyson today. Born to his then-girlfriend Sol Xochitl, Exodus was just 4 years old when he tragically died on May 26, 2009. The incident took place at the family’s home in Phoenix, Arizona.

The incident happened when Exodus was playing at the family home and was found by her older brother with a cable wrapped around her neck. Conformable ABC News, Sgt. Andy Hill

When her 7-year-old brother found her and told their mother, who was in another room, she took Exodus off the cable and called 911 while trying to revive her. Unfortunately, Tyson was in Las Vegas at the time and rushed back to Phoenix when he heard the news. While Exodus was on life support at the Phoenix Hospital, she unfortunately did not make it.

In an interview, Tyson was asked what his first thought was after hearing the news. he said,

Following the devastating loss, Tyson found himself struggling with drug abuse. In an interview with Real Sports, Tyson admitted that he used cocaine for a week because he had to get high.

The seven children of Mike Tyson

While Exodus’ tragic death remains a painful chapter in Mike Tyson’s life, he has other children who continue to shape his world. The eldest child of the famous heavyweight champion, Mikey Lorna Tyson, was born in 1991 and is making waves as a plus size model. She once opened up about what it was like growing up with a famous wrestler like her father when she was featured in the cover story Queen Size Magazine,

Tyson welcomed Amir Tyson in 1997, who runs his own streetwear brand called Debonair Attire. He also works as a sportscaster and covered the fight against his father Jake Paul.

Then there’s Ramsey, who identifies as non-binary and is a Tisch School of the Arts graduate with impressive credits, including work on the hit film Joker. Tyson’s fourth son, Miguel Leon Tyson, born in 2002, has a passion for photography and occasionally trains in boxing with his father.

His two younger children, Milan and Morocco, are from his marriage to Lakiha Spicer. While Milan is on his way to tennis stardom, training with former Serena Williams coach Patrick Mouratoglou and playing alongside Novak Djokovic, Tyson has gushed with FightCamp stating,

Meanwhile, Morocco enjoys tennis and golf and attends school in Florida.

Reflecting on his life as a father, Tyson said Sports Illustrated,

Despite a rough past, he has embraced fatherhood as his greatest legacy, proving that there is much more to him than his strong boxing career.

Mike Tyson will honor his daughter’s exodus during the fight with Jake Paul

As Mike Tyson prepares for his big showdown against social media star Jake Paul, he’s making sure the moment has deep personal meaning. As he prepares for the highly anticipated bout that is just hours away, Tyson plans to pay tribute to his late daughter Exodus in a heartfelt way.

For her first match of 2020, the 58-year-old champion will step into the ring wearing a sleek black trunks with her name emblazoned above an American flag on her left leg. The design also features the Tyson logo on the waist and BYLT branding on the right thigh.

According to BYLT Basics, the trunks were created not just for performance, but to honor Tyson’s legacy and personal story. BYLT Chief Product Officer Joe Trachta said USA Today,

Tyson has already worn the custom gear during his training sessions, hinting at the possibility that he will don them during the fight. While Tyson’s agent, Andrew Ruf, has not confirmed whether the legendary boxer will wear the trunks in the ring, fans are eager to see if this sentimental design makes its debut under the bright lights of AT&T Stadium in Texas.