GettyIn the ring, Mike Tyson’s exploits as a boxer were simply undeniable – despite the odd cannibalistic episode to which Evander Holyfield can attest.
Away from the ring, ‘Iron Mike’ was no stranger to controversy either, and in 1992 the Brooklyn fighter was sentenced to six years in prison plus four years probation on charges of rape.
Following a meteoric rise to fame, Tyson’s life was in tatters, and he was forced to sell his lavish mansion in Ohio for $1.3 million (roughly £920,000) in 1999.
But thanks to one lucky photographer, we can take a glimpse of what it’s like inside…
The images, which were uploaded to Imgur, show the mansion covered in dust, but nonetheless impressive.
As reported by the Daily Mail, photographer Johnny Joo is responsible for the images.
He told the paper last year:
My journeys have taken me to some strange places but nothing quite like the abandoned home of a former professional boxer.
It felt cold, rather empty and eerie – not so much a creepy eerie but a more interesting one.
I knew Mike Tyson had once just hung out here and now I stood staring down everything that had been left behind. I loved the bathroom simply because of the view and the mirrored ceiling above the Jacuzzi tub.
But the pool was probably my favourite just because of how incredibly large it was and thinking how vibrant it was at one point in time. The room was bigger than three of my houses, it was pretty incredible to look at while standing at one end. Everything was so full of life and now simply collects dust.
As I wandered the halls and rooms I imagined the wild parties which must have taken place within these walls. I looked across a living room once full of life but now empty of parties, tigers and celebrities.
As reported by the Mail, the mansion in Southington was bought in December 2014 with plans to convert the building into a church.
Restoration was scheduled for 2015, although images of the property’s current state have yet to emerge.
Joo added:
It makes a perfect candidate for the church to move into and build their sanctuary. Structurally the home is wonderful and I can’t wait to see the restoration completed over time.
It certainly is impressive.
