Mike Tyson was the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world from 1987-1990, and his diet and training regime during his prime was nothing short of extraordinary

Mike Tyson’s diet and training regime back in the day was not for the faint hearted

Mike Tyson is – and was – one of the most feared fighters ever to step into a ring.

In becoming one of the most prolific boxers on the planet, he had an incredible diet and training routine at the peak of his boxing career – during which he earned himself the title of “The Baddest Man on the Planet”. The 57-year-old is set to return to the ring and fight Jake Paul in July in a bout that’ll be streamed live on Netflix.

And, although there are some concerns about Iron Mike’s health, if his diet and training routine is anything like it was back in the day, Paul is in for a rude awakening. His successful run in the heavyweight division largely depended on his hard work outside the ring.

Tyson’s diet and training regime while he was world champion from 1987-1990 truly reflected why he achieved great things. According to Fitness Volt, Tyson would consume between 3000-4000 calories every day. He would eat these across three main meals.

In the mornings, he usually had oatmeal, milk and vitamin supplements. For lunch, it was typically chicken breast and rice. In the evenings, steak and pasta with orange juice usually wrapped up his meals. Protein shakes were the only indulgence he’d allow himself between meals.

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Tyson’s training was focused on explosive exercises rather than weight training.

Amazingly, Tyson allowed himself one cheat meal each week too. So, sometimes he would treat himself to ice cream or his favourite cereal – Cap’n Crunch. Before a fight, Tyson would spend about 10 hours a day in the gym, with only one day off each week. These 10 hours would be divided into six tough sessions: early morning, noon, mid-afternoon, early evening, after dinner and late evening.

His day would kick off at 4am with a run of three to five miles, followed by three rounds of bodyweight exercises and 10 rounds of sparring. The workout included 200 sit-ups, 50 dips, 50 push-ups and 50 shrugs, with no weightlifting involved.

Tyson and Paul are set to face off in July at the AT&T Stadium

More sparring and some shadowboxing would take place in the afternoon and evening, as well as a full hour on an exercise bike. The last part of his day would see Tyson getting ready mentally rather than physically, as he watched videos of his next opponent’s fights.

In a single day, he is said to have done 2000 decline sit-ups, 500 bench dips, 500 push-ups, 500 shrugs with a 30kg barbell, and ten minutes of neck exercises in the ring.