It was hard seeing Father Time catch up to him. Almost like having a sort of loving care for an older uncle or grandpa. I think most of us watching wanted Iron Mike to get that last knock out. But really we were watching to get that last glimpse of history. To recall what the most dangerous man in the world looked like in the ring one last time. And knowing the crazy, difficult, triumphant life he has experienced, I think most of us were just watching Mike because we love him as a human being who has had to overcome so so so many hardships in life.

Reading his story about life… man.. from the womb he had it hard. Not white washing his past or making excuses for some of the crazy things he has done. Just acknowledging how much he has grown as a human being against the roughest childhood. If you put 100 of us in his shoes from birth, I would bet 99 of us would either be dead or in prison for life.

Somehow he has made it this far along the path we call life. When he was talking after the fight, I was waiting for this gem of counsel and enlightenment to come from his mouth. But how fitting and perfect was it that Mike responded with yes and no answers and that he just wanted to prove it to himself. Amazing the dichotomy of this giant of a man who reached the pinnacle of success juxtaposed with a normal natural man who has long since worried about the the fluff of the world. He is simply an old school boxer and a fighter who enjoys the thrill of the ring.

Iron Mike, thank you for the memories. As much as I looked up to you as a fighter, now as a father and middle aged man who hung him cleats up long ago, I’m even more thankful for your example of striving to overcome the natural man slowly but surely.

Always the GOAT to me, Iron Mike Tyson!