Tyson says he’s used to putting life on stage

By JOHN CARUCCI

| The Associated Press

First Published Aug 03 2012 12:21 pm • Last Updated Aug 03 2012 12:24 pm

NEW YORK • Pounding out the details of his personal life on a Broadway stage doesn’t seem to faze Mike Tyson. The former heavyweight champ says that’s what he’s used to doing, "and at least now I don’t have to go to hospital every time."

The 46-year old Tyson is appearing in the one-man show, "Mike Tyson Undisputed Truth." Directed by Spike Lee, the nearly two-hour show chronicles Tyson’s life from childhood and his early boxing career to his public divorce from Robin Givens and his time spent in prison. He even talks about an incident with Brad Pitt.

"I’m just joking and stuff. I’m not mad at anyone. I hope he gives me a damn job," Tyson said when asked about the incident. The boxer spoke to The Associated Press Thursday, the same day as the show’s opening.

Lee chimed in: "He asked for a job."

Lee, famous for chronicling stories about Brooklyn in such films as "Crooklyn," "She’s Gotta Have It," and the upcoming "Red Hook Summer," feels this work adds nicely to the collection.

"You can’t get more Brooklyn than Mike Tyson. And if you remember the film, ‘Do the Right Thing,’ the great Robin Harris (playing Sweet Dick Willie) had many references to Mike. And the side of Sal’s Famous Pizzeria we painted a mural, Brooklyn’s Finest: Mike Tyson, so this is history," Lee said.

While Tyson’s life has been tumultuous at times, the boxer says he can deal with telling intimate details to a room full of strangers simply because "it’s a job to be done."

"Even though it’s real, it’s not real. It’s an illusion," Tyson says.

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