Mike Tyson Netflix Documentary Revelations: Toad Psychedelic Trip, Jake Paul Fight, Addiction, Overdoses, Robin Givens And 5 More

Mike Tyson’s life has been marked by heavyweight boxing glory, personal tragedy, addiction and controversies that have followed him long after his biggest fights. Netflix’s four-part documentary TYSON, released on October 13, 2026, revisits the former world champion’s turbulent journey, from his childhood in Brooklyn to his rise as the youngest heavyweight champion in history. 

Directed by Floyd Russ, the docuseries features Tyson reflecting on his career, relationships, criminal conviction, struggles with substance use and attempts to rebuild his life. From near-fatal overdoses and his relationship with Robin Givens to the death of his daughter Exodus and the infamous Evander Holyfield ear-biting incident, here are nine major revelations from TYSON.

Mike Tyson’s ‘Toad’ Psychedelic Experience

One of the documentary’s most striking revelations concerns Tyson’s use of a psychedelic commonly called “the toad.” The substance is associated with 5-MeO-DMT, a powerful psychedelic compound found in the secretions of the Sonoran Desert toad.

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Tyson tells the documentary’s director that he turned to the substance during a period when his struggles with drugs and alcohol had become severe. His wife, Lakiha “Kiki” Spicer, helped introduce him to the experience.

Tyson says the experience changed his outlook and helped him stop using cocaine and alcohol. He also describes it as a transformative experience that made him feel as though he had been reborn.

In an interview with Netflix Tudum, Russ explained that Tyson told him he consulted the toad when making important decisions. Tyson also said he believed he might have died had he not discovered it.

Mike Tyson Fight With Jake Paul

Tyson’s November 2024 fight against Jake Paul brought him back into the sporting spotlight. The bout, streamed on Netflix, saw the 58-year-old former heavyweight champion face the much younger YouTuber-turned-boxer.

In the documentary, Russ recalls asking Tyson why he had agreed to the fight. Tyson responded, “The toad told me to.” The director explained in his Netflix Tudum interview that Tyson told him he consulted the psychedelic experience when making significant decisions. Russ had not expected the conversation to turn towards the substance or its role in Tyson’s life.