'I thought I'd found Mike Tyson dead – I cried and didn't think I'd see him again'
Mike Tyson's former trainer Jeff Fenech has been friends with the boxing icon since the 1980s and saw him at his lowest ebb following the end of his career.
One of Mike Tyson's closest friends was left devastated when he found the boxing icon lifeless at his home. Jeff Fenech, an Australian boxing great who trained Iron Mike in his last professional bouts, has been close with Tyson since their first encounter in the 80s.
Now 60, former four-division world champion Fenech keeps in touch with Tyson and had planned to be ringside for his bout against Jake Paul in Dallas before it got shelved. Tyson, 57, is currently sidelined due to a recent ulcer issue, but his overall well-being is miles ahead of where it stood nearly two decades ago.
After hanging up his gloves in the mid-2000s, Tyson's life spiralled out of control amid battles with alcohol and substance abuse. Fenech was heartbroken when he once flew to the United States to see Tyson, only to discover him in dire straits.
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"I've been in a room with him when I thought he was dead, I thought I'd never see him again," recalled Fenech to the Mirror. "I saw him in the worst way possible. Me and my wife flew into Vegas one day and went to the house. He was slouched in the lounge.
"I tried to wake him. I then walked outside and I actually cried. I thought I wasn't going to see him again."
Thankfully, Tyson managed to piece his life together and remains determined to fight YouTube-turned-boxer Paul. Fenech says the former 'Baddest Man on the Planet' deserves immense credit, as do those within his inner circle, especially his third wife, Lakiha Spicer.
"I'm one of these guys who's never had a smoke in my life, never had a drug in my life," added Fenech. "I've never had a coffee!
"When I saw him on that occasion, it was sad. For him to be able to turn that around and be the person he's become, teaching from his mistakes... He's an amazing human.
"I know Mike Tyson better than anybody. If he's your friend, he's your friend forever. He helps so many people. Many people don't realise that. I've travelled the world with him. I've seen him take money out of his pocket and give it to beggars.
"The biggest thing I've learnt is that if you've got good people around you, good things will happen. Mike's wife is an amazing lady and has played such a huge part."
