MIKE TYSON has shockingly revealed he thought about committing murder while also admitting to shooting at people as he discussed London’s knife crime epidemic.
The former heavyweight world champion appeared via video link on Good Morning Britain where he claimed he used to be involved with gangs growing up.
Speaking to Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid, Tyson offered his views on the rising violence in the capital, insisting that those who commit the atrocities have no hope in life.
While he also stated that boxing stopped him from killing people as he had found himself a passion and an escape from the life he was living.
The 52-year-old said: “They don’t believe there’s any hope in life. If they believed there was hope for a better life then they wouldn’t conduct themselves in that way.
“The only reason I conducted myself… I didn’t believe there was hope for a better life and then I started boxing and saw hope.
“Other than that, I thought about killing people, peoples lives didn’t mean anything and all that stuff too.
“I was the same way as these kids. I used to be in gangs, I used to have guns, I used to shoot at people, I used to be shot at and all that stuff. I don’t want to live my life like that anymore.”
Tyson – who joked he’s too scared to face Morgan in the ring – also spoke of his sadness that he isn’t allowed in the UK after being convicted of rape in 1992.
Speaking of the 2013 law change, Tyson added: “I believe you guys have your laws, you have your criminals. You’ve got your problem with young kids. But listen what’s that have to do with me?
“You guys have tons of criminals that can come over here.
“I don’t understand why I’m not allowed over in Great Britain and hang out in London. I guess it is what it is. We have to change those laws.