Mike Tyson Got Into His First Fight Over a Pigeon — And That’s How It All Began!

When people think of Mike Tyson, they picture a fierce boxer with a knockout punch and a fearsome reputation. But beyond the ring, Tyson is a whirlwind of quirks, lavish spending, and deep-rooted passions that are as unexpected as they are entertaining. From his lifelong love of pigeons to buying a gold bathtub worth more than most homes, Tyson’s obsessions paint a picture of a man who lives unapologetically on his own terms.

One of Tyson’s earliest and most surprising passions is his deep affection for pigeons. Growing up in Brooklyn, he found solace in caring for the birds, calling them his “first love.” Tyson still raises pigeons today, spending tens of thousands on rare breeds like the Janssen racing pigeons. In fact, his very first fight happened because a bully killed one of his pigeons—sparking the rage that would later fuel his boxing career. He even starred in a reality TV show, Taking on Tyson, which followed his pigeon-racing adventures.

Then there are the tigers. Yes, tigers. At the height of his fame and fortune, Tyson bought three Bengal tigers, reportedly spending $70,000 on one and thousands more per month on their care. One of them, Kenya, became a staple in his household, walking through his mansion like a giant house cat. Though the legality and ethics of this choice were questionable, it only added to the legend of Tyson’s over-the-top lifestyle.

And who could forget the gold bathtub? In one of the most outrageous purchases in celebrity history, Tyson gifted his then-wife Robin Givens a 24-karat gold bathtub worth a jaw-dropping $2 million. The extravagance didn’t end there—Tyson blew through a fortune on cars, jewelry, and luxury items, ultimately leading to financial troubles that forced him to file for bankruptcy in 2003.

Yet somehow, these wild habits only make Tyson more endearing to fans. His eccentricities aren’t just about showing off—they’re about a man with raw passion, intense loyalty, and a flair for the dramatic. Whether he’s cooing over pigeons or casually mentioning a tiger in his living room, Tyson reminds us that legends don’t just live large in the ring—they live even larger outside of it.