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)

The incite into Tyson

Like all aspects book was very interesting and gave view into the motivation of Mike Tyson it also was inciteful into the demons that have plagued his life

Fascinating story about a train wreck of a life

As I listened to this book my opinion about Tyson swung to both extremes. In the first part of the book I was really pulling for Mike, he worked hard to overcome extremely disadvantaged early years. He had his periodic outbursts, and issues, but under the mentoring of his friend and coach, Cus D'Amato, he rose above it all to eventually become champion. During this part of the story he also began battling against so many people trying to rip him off now that he had a ton of money.

At that point in the book I was totally in Mike's corner, but unfortunately after Cus died the story of his life went down hill so fast, and so uncontrollably from there that it eventually became hard to tolerate. In some ways this part of the book was fascinating as well, but also very sad. It is mind-boggling how someone could blow hundreds of millions of dollars so fast. He was constantly getting in street fights, high on cocaine, sleeping with every girl he could, fathering several kids, and being accused by gold-diggers for fathering others he didn't. He was sued countless times, sometimes with merit and others by people trying to fleece him, but after awhile I began to stop feeling sorry for him and started thinking he is getting everything he deserves.

The language, and sex talk is pretty strong throughout. I told my wife this book is like novocaine for sensitivities to the F-word, it must appear at least a thousand times in the book. If you aren't easily offended I think you will find this book very interesting. It is a rare look into a life most of us could never fathom.

Surprised

What did you love best about Undisputed Truth?

The realness

Which scene was your favorite?

What seems like the turning point of his life when he fought the man that killed his pigeon.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

Any additional comments?

Great listen, a totally different aspect of the champ that I can understand.

Amazing

Best book I’ve read in a long time. Nothing was held back! I feel like I know my favorite boxer even more now. The narrator did an amazing job with this book.

What a roller coaster

I was a young boy when mike Tyson was the champ and I never really knew or heard anything about him. I knew he was amazing. I saw his highlight reels. This brings you so much closer to his persona and mentality. I loved this audiobook

Authentic, honest, and eventually self aware- big story

I don't know ho he can remember so many details. Could do with less swearing. I am glad I listen to the book. I certainly learn a lot about boxing. He is a very talented man.

Great read. Made me understand just a little more.

it was a great read. it made me realize how much the Limelight and the life of such a warrior can take its toll. I had my mixed feelings about Mike Tyson then after reading this I feel for a little more

AWESOMELY DONE!!!!

this was a wonderful book. The narrator did a great job. I think Mike Tyson bared his soul and if nothing else Anyone who reads this book has got to gain respect for him. A book definitely worth listening to.

great story

wonderful story . women have it so easy in the this world . yet they keep complaining

Fantastic book

I love autobiographies by athletes. This story is so interesting and life inspiring. I highly recommend to read!