Undisputed Truth

By: Mike Tyson, Larry Sloman

Narrated by: Joshua Henry

Length: 20 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

Philosopher, Broadway headliner, fighter, felon - Mike Tyson has defied stereotypes, expectations, and a lot of conventional wisdom during his three decades in the public eye. Bullied as a boy in the toughest, poorest neighborhood in Brooklyn, Tyson grew up to become one of the most thrilling and ferocious boxers of all time - and the youngest heavyweight champion ever. But his brilliance in the ring was often compromised by reckless behavior. Years of hard partying, violent fights, and criminal proceedings took their toll: by 2003, Tyson had hit rock bottom, a convicted felon, completely broke, the punch line to a thousand bad late-night jokes. Yet he fought his way back; the man who once admitted being addicted "to everything" regained his success, his dignity, and the love of his family. With a triumphant one-man stage show, his unforgettable performances in the Hangover films, and his newfound happiness and stability as a father and husband, Tyson's story is an inspiring American original.

Brutally honest, raw, and often hilarious, Tyson chronicles his tumultuous highs and lows in the same sincere, straightforward manner we have come to expect from this legendary athlete. A singular journey from Brooklyn's ghettos to worldwide fame to notoriety, and, finally, to a tranquil wisdom, Undisputed Truth is not only a great sports memoir but an autobiography for the ages.

©2013 Mike Tyson and Larry Sloman (P)2013 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“A masterpiece... grimly tragic on one page, laugh-out-loud funny on the next, and unrelentingly vulgar and foul-mouthed. Reading Tyson's memoir is like watching a Charles Dickens street urchin grow up to join Hunter S. Thompson on a narcotics-filled road trip - with the ensuing antics captured on video by assorted paparazzi.” (Hector Tobar, Los Angeles Times)

“Undisputed Truth is raw, powerful and disturbing - a head-spinning take on Mr. Tyson's life…Unlike other sports memoirists, he doesn't pull punches, offering up slashing comments on people who were once close to him. His narrative reminds us of just how far he has come from his rough beginnings, and, in a way, how close he remains to them. He had a punch like a thunderbolt from Zeus, but there have been a lot of big bangers in boxing; Mike Tyson's came with a pulsating story line like few others.” (Gordon Marino, Wall Street Journal)

“Parts of [Undisputed Truth] read like a real-life Tarantino movie. Parts read like a Tom Wolfe-ian tour of wildly divergent worlds: from the slums of Brooklyn to the high life in Las Vegas to the isolation of prison…. Mr. Tyson’s idiosyncratic voice comes through clearly on the page here - not just his mix of profane street talk and 12-step recovery language, cinematic descriptions of individual fights and philosophical musings, but also his biting humor and fondness for literary and historical references that run the gamut from Alexandre Dumas to Tolstoy to Lenin to Tennessee Williams…. A genuine effort by a troubled soul to gain some understanding of the long, strange journey that has been his life.” (Michiko Kakutani, The New York Times)

A book for those who are tough on themselves

I loved this book,
Maybe not everyone’s favorite fighter. But to me, he was more than boxing. He was life.

Amazing

This book gave me so much respect for Mike and his life experiences. It motivated me to want to be my best.

The struggle is never ending for Mike Tyson.

The struggle is never ending for Mike Tyson. I was blown away with the adversity he's had to deal with. Just when you think it's bad it gets worse for him. God bless you Mike Tyson, I wish you the best moving forward in your life.

Great book

The narrator was excellent. Had a New York accent that really helped the story. Hearing Tysons story gave a better insight to why he was great.

Undisputed Truth - A Revelation

I knew “Mike Tyson”, however, clearly, I not know Mike Tyson. I to have recovered from the demons of alcoholism and drug addiction and hurting my family members. It has been 28 years that I have been in recovery through the program like Mike and through relentless practicing the principles of the program in all my affairs. Mike I know you’ve been there I have been there with you but I no longer am there and I do not go there remember we do not forget our past we use it to shine a light on the positive nature of our future regardless of what life presents us including the loss of loved ones as I have lost many also. I love to hear that you’re in recovery and I’m very excited that you’re back training that big old heavy weight that’s gonna take on Tyson fury I think it’s fantastic that you’re involved as a trainer sharing your knowledge. I also purchased one of your training videos on dynamic striking website and I’m teaching my boxers some of your techniques. I think you would make a great teacher as a person working from the place of recovery. It’s one day at a time Mike that’s all we have and I commend you for walking through life one day at a time with your wife and your children. And no brother you are not a wimp you are not a stay at home be down you are doing what real men do real people of courage and character do as I do today with my family to the best of my ability. I love you man and wish you nothing but more and more and more recovery.Signing off now Coach Charles teaching young boxers about life and where Boxing fits correctly in life as you help to teach me in this book.

Long winded but through and satisfying story

I had multiple starts and stops through the book but I’m glad I stuck it out and finished it. The way it ends is truly touching and gives you the chills.

Great Book all the way around.

Where does Undisputed Truth rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Being a Tyson I really enjoyed this book. Gives you the insight about why the guy did some of things he did. Sounds like he has matured into a adult now. Could not get enough. Finished the audio book in about 5 days then listened to it again. Keeps you interested.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Tyson

Have you listened to any of Joshua Henry’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Never listened before.

Painful but truthful

This man had everything anyone could ever want. 30,000 dollars to take care of trees was just bad decision making. I hope he looks back at everything and regrets. Wish you the best Tyson.

tyson is a talented young man and a humbled older

Would you consider the audio edition of Undisputed Truth to be better than the print version?

Did not read the print version

What other book might you compare Undisputed Truth to and why?

Rocky....for real.

Which scene was your favorite?

His marriage to Robin.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

His sister passing

Any additional comments?

Tyson started with nothin and after along tough life comes to a humble "ending". I think Tyson would have done a Good job with the narration, but Joshua did a fine job. All around a nice listen to a turbulent life story.

Life in the raw.

A life of highest highs and lowest lows. Great stories framed around a boxing life. A terrific read.