His Marriage and Ex-Wives in Hollywood Life Insights
Mike Tyson is making headlines again as he prepares to step back into the boxing ring to face Jake Paul, a social media phenomenon who is significantly younger than him by 30 years. The anticipation for this matchup is palpable, with boxing enthusiasts buzzing about the potential showdown throughout 2024. However, amidst all the excitement surrounding this upcoming fight, there is one person who remains a constant source of support and affection for the legendary boxer: his beloved wife, Lahika Spicer. Their enduring relationship shows the personal side of Mike Tyson beyond the boxing world.
Mike Tyson’s personal life is quite complex, featuring three ex-wives and children from multiple relationships. This intricate web of relationships adds layers to his story as a public figure. To delve deeper into the dynamics of Mike’s current marriage, his past relationships, and the impact they have had on his life, continue reading to uncover the fascinating details surrounding the life of this iconic boxer.
Unraveling the Past: Mike Tyson’s Relationship with Robin Givens
Robin Givens, born on November 27, 1964, was already a prominent actress when she crossed paths with Mike Tyson in 1987. Known for her captivating role as Darlene on the ABC sitcom Head of the Class, Robin was a household name, and her beauty and intelligence made her one of the most sought-after actresses of her time.
The whirlwind romance led to their marriage in February 1988, but it quickly turned tumultuous. In a shocking interview with Barbara Walters on 20/20, Robin described her marriage to Mike as “torture, pure hell, worse than anything I could possibly imagine.” Just a month later, she filed for divorce, alleging spousal abuse and was granted a temporary restraining order against Mike. In a twist, Mike pursued an annulment, claiming Robin had stolen millions and manipulated public perception. This led to Robin filing a $125 million libel lawsuit against him, highlighting the contentious nature of their split. Their divorce was ultimately finalized on Valentine’s Day in 1989, marking a dramatic end to their relationship.
After their tumultuous marriage, Robin turned her focus towards family. In 1993, she adopted her first son, Michael “Buddy” Givens, and four years later, she married her tennis instructor, Svetozar Marinković. Unfortunately, this marriage was also short-lived, as she filed for divorce shortly after. In 1999, she welcomed her second son, William “Billy” Jensen, with her former boyfriend, tennis player Murphy Jensen, further expanding her family while navigating the complexities of her past with Mike Tyson.
Monica Turner: Mike Tyson’s Second Wife and Their Journey
Monica Turner, originally from Washington D.C., met Mike at a party hosted by comedian Eddie Murphy in 1990. Their immediate chemistry sparked a connection that lasted for years, demonstrating the powerful bond they shared from the start. This initial encounter marked the beginning of a significant chapter in both their lives.
During Mike’s imprisonment for serious charges, including rape and misconduct, Monica remained a steadfast partner, visiting him every two weeks to maintain their relationship. As noted by The Washington Post, she frequently set aside her demanding pre-medical coursework to support him, showcasing her commitment and dedication despite the challenges they faced.
In April 1997, they celebrated their love by marrying in a private Muslim ceremony, inviting only their closest friends and family. Despite their shared joys of parenthood with the arrival of their son Amir and daughter Rayna, their relationship faced strains due to Mike’s frequent absences for work commitments. By early 2002, Monica cited Mike’s infidelity and extravagant spending as reasons for filing for divorce, highlighting the strain that came with their lifestyle.
Today, Monica is a respected pediatrician based in Bethesda, Maryland, and is affiliated with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). She has chosen to maintain a low profile, opting out of the public spotlight, and does not appear to have an active presence on social media platforms like Instagram, focusing instead on her professional life and family.
Exploring the Love Story of Mike Tyson and Lakiha Spicer
Mike Tyson’s journey with Lakiha Spicer began in 2000, when his promoter Don King introduced them following one of Mike’s boxing matches. At that point, Mike was 29, while Lakiha was just 18. Their connection blossomed quickly, culminating in their decision to marry in 2009. They exchanged vows in a private ceremony at the La Bella Wedding Chapel located in the Las Vegas Hilton, marking a significant commitment in both of their lives.
Reflecting on their relationship, Lakiha shared with The New York Post in 2012, “I could never really get him out of my system. He’s the only person I was ever able to fall back in love with several times.” She elaborated that her feelings for Mike were unique; even when she thought she had moved on, their connection would reignite whenever they interacted again.
Together, Mike and Lakiha are the proud parents of two children: daughter Milan and son Morocco. In 2020, when discussing Milan’s aspirations in tennis, Mike emphasized the importance of dedication and hard work. He advised her to look up to champions like [Novak] Djokovic and Serena Williams, illustrating his commitment to instilling values of discipline and passion in his children, encouraging them to pursue their dreams relentlessly.
In addition to his life with Lakiha, Mike Tyson is also a father to four other children from previous relationships: daughter Mikey with ex-wife Kimberly Scarborough, daughter Rayna and son Amir with ex-wife Monica, and son Miguel with ex-partner Sol Xochitl. Tragically, he also lost a daughter named Exodus with Sol, who passed away at just four years old. This multifaceted family structure highlights the complexities of Mike’s personal life beyond the boxing ring.