Hart: ‘Tyson has needed help for the last 25 years’

Colin Hart admits Mike Tyson is one of the most complex characters he has ever met and has needed help for the past 25 years.

The former heavyweight champion of the world revealed at the weekend he fears he is close to death from ongoing drink and drug dependency.

And Hart, who covered every one of Tyson’s Championship fights for The Sun, admits he wasn’t been shocked by the revelations.

He told Hawksbee and Jacobs: “Mike Tyson has needed help for the last 25 years, on and off. We’ve been led to believe by Mike himself that he has turned his life around and is leading a stable existence with his third wife and family and that the wild days are behind me.

“On the one hand I’m surprised he’s said he’s near dying, but he gives the impression he has a serious drink and drugs problem. But, in truth, you can never be surprised by anything he says or does.

“He’s one of the most complex characters I’ve ever met. He can give you a great interview when he’s in the mood, then half an hour later he will want to kill you with his bare hands.”