A documentary about Mike Tyson that premieres on Netflix Oct. 13 led the camera crew to the White House.
The ongoing friendship between President Donald Trump and Tyson dates back to 1988. At the time, Trump reportedly paid $11 million to hold Tyson’s heavyweight boxing match against Michael Spinks.
The fight was held at Atlantic City Convention Hall, next to Trump Plaza in New Jersey.
"Paid a lot of money for that fight, and it was worth it," Trump said behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office during an interview for the four-part documentary. "(Tyson) had the lens on him more than anybody in the world at the time, only because he was winning."
Tyson knocked out Spinks in 91 seconds, deepening his aura of invincibility. With Tyson having sued
his manager, Bill Cayton, in stepped Trump.
During an interview at the time, Tyson said he asked Trump to be an advisor. Tyson's marriage with Robin Givens was strained and headed for divorce.
"One thing I will say, if somebody's disloyal to you once, they'll be disloyal to you again," Trump remarked. "…I'm a friend of the family. I'm a friend of Mike's. And they're going to call their own shots. I'll be an advisor. And he's got a wonderful family, and I can assure you. And if I – in my opinion, I didn't think so. I wouldn't be here.’’
It was a short-lived business relationship, but the friendship continued. Tyson attended Trump's inaugural celebration in January 2025 and ended up on the shoulders of Jake Paul.
Mike Tyson driven by desperation for attention
During an interview for the documentary, Tyson said. "My earliest memory is me wanting attention."
Recalling the moment, Tyson said everybody was drunk, high, talking,
"And I wanted to be a part of that energy and nobody would listen to me, so I tried to hurt myself," Tyson said. "I had to put Drano on my thumb and put it in my mouth. And I had to go to the hospital."
So did it work? Did he get the attention he sought?
"Yeah, yeah," he replied.
Tyson ultimately found massive attention from his exploits in the ring. It skyrocketed in 1986, when Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion in the world at age 20 when he knocked out Trevor Berbick in the second round.
A video game called Mike Tyson "Punch Out!!" only fueled his popularity.
"Awesome," Tyson told the documentary filmmakers, "having all that attention."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: New Mike Tyson Netflix documentary traces relationship with Donald Trump
