Free extension for sports fans
Advertisement
Advertisement

Mike Tyson shared cells with killers and had ‘no freedom’ aged 13 after criminal childhood

Mike Tyson's new Netflix documentary uncovers his criminal past and how he was sent to a detention centre alongside actual killers.

Published: Wednesday, 7 October 2026 at 5:00 AM
Mike Tyson shared cells with killers and had ‘no freedom’ aged 13 after criminal childhood
Key Things to Know
  • Mike Tyson revealed he shared detention space with killers at age 13 after over 30 childhood arrests.
  • The details were disclosed in the four-part Netflix docuseries TYSON ahead of its premiere.
  • Tyson was first arrested at age 12 before being sent to the Tryon facility.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Mike Tyson revealed in a new four-part Netflix docuseries that he was sent to a juvenile detention center alongside killers at age 13. The former world heavyweight champion discussed his troubled upbringing in Brooklyn's Brownsville neighborhood, stating he was first arrested at age 12 and had accumulated more than 30 arrests by the following year.

Tyson explained that after initial stints at Spofford, he was moved to Tryon Boys' Detention Centre where inmates had no freedom. While detained at Tryon, Tyson began sparring with guard Bobby Stewart, who subsequently introduced the future champion to legendary trainer Cus D'Amato.

Advertisement

Never Miss a Sports Update

Get the latest sports news and top stories from MySportsTab delivered straight to your inbox.

No spam. Just the latest sports news and updates.