Mike Tyson’s name echoes through boxing history, a legend known for his fierce punches and unforgettable moments. But today, let’s turn the spotlight to his son, Miguel Leon Tyson (or Miguel Xochitl), a young man carving his own path. At 22, Miguel’s life blends the weight of his father’s fame with his own dreams.
Miguel Leon Tyson is the fourth of Mike Tyson’s seven children. Mike’s kids, in birth order, are Mikey Lorna (1990), Rayna (1996), D’Amato (1998), Miguel (2002), Exodus (2005–2009), Amir (2003), Milan (2008), and Morocco (2011).
Early Life: Growing Up with a Legend
Miguel was born on April 18, 2002, in the United States. Imagine being a kid with a dad like Mike Tyson, a larger-than-life figure whose shadow looms big. Growing up, Miguel called Phoenix, Arizona, home for much of his childhood. Life wasn’t always easy, though. His father’s fame brought attention, but it also meant dealing with public eyes watching every move.
As a little boy, Miguel faced challenges tied to his dad’s rollercoaster life. Mike’s career had ups and downs, from championship wins to personal struggles.
Miguel grew up close to his siblings, especially his younger sister, Exodus. Born in March 2005 to Mike and his then-partner Sol Xochitl. However, Exodus tragically passed away at the age of four in May 2009 due to an accident involving a treadmill cord at their Phoenix home. Her death deeply affected the Tyson family, including Miguel, who was seven at the time.
His Mother Sol Xochitl
Sol Xochitl was in a relationship with Mike Tyson in the early 2000s, during which they lived in Phoenix, Arizona. Sol is of Latina descent (Mexician) and has largely stayed out of the public eye, preferring a private life compared to Mike’s high-profile world.
While some reports mention she worked as an exotic dancer when she met Mike, her focus has been on raising her children and providing a stable home, especially for Miguel after Exodus’s tragic passing in 2009.
Sol never married Mike, and details about her life today are scarce, as she avoids media attention. She’s been a grounding influence on Miguel, nurturing his warm and creative personality.
Stepmom Lakiha Spicer
After Mike Tyson married Lakiha in June 2009, following the tragic loss of Miguel’s sister Exodus, the family dynamics shifted. Mike and Lakiha settled in Henderson, Nevada, with their two children, Milan and Morocco, born in 2008 and 2011, respectively.
Given that Sol Xochitl maintained a private life and was Miguel’s primary caregiver, it’s likely he continued living with her, especially during his school years in Phoenix.
However, Miguel has appeared with Mike, Lakiha, and his half-siblings at public events, like the 2018 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards, suggesting he spent time with them during visits or family gatherings. Photos from these events show a warm connection, with Miguel standing alongside Lakiha, Milan, and Morocco.
Education
Miguel’s not just riding on his dad’s name; he’s building his own future. After finishing high school at a local U.S. school, he enrolled at the University of Southern California (USC). There, he’s studying psychology with a minor in social entrepreneurship, aiming to wrap up his degree around 2025.
Choosing psychology says a lot about him. It’s a field about understanding people—why they think and act the way they do. Maybe Miguel’s drawn to it because of his own experiences, growing up in a high-profile family where emotions ran high. Social entrepreneurship, too, shows he cares about making a difference, not just earning a paycheck.
USC’s a top school, and getting in isn’t a cakewalk. Miguel must have worked hard to earn his spot. At USC, he’s likely diving into classes on human behavior, maybe even thinking about how to help others through mental health or community projects.
His minor in social entrepreneurship is intriguing. It’s about using business smarts to solve problems, like poverty or education gaps. For someone like Miguel, who’s seen both privilege and struggle up close, this feels like a natural fit. He’s not just studying; he’s building tools to change lives.
Spread Love: The Power Up Fitness Program
Miguel Tyson is a nice guy, he works with Prince Jackson to present year 4 of the Power-Up Fitness program.
The Power Up Fitness Program is a youth-focused initiative by the Heal Los Angeles Foundation, founded by Prince Jackson, with sponsorship from Mike Tyson Cares, connected to Miguel Tyson’s father, Mike Tyson. It aims to promote physical and mental well-being among children in lower-income Los Angeles communities, especially post-pandemic.
The program encourages kids to engage in fitness activities like sports and exercise, which help improve physical health, boost self-confidence, and manage stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges. It addresses issues like disrupted routines and limited social-emotional learning caused by the pandemic, fostering resilience and healthy habits for adulthood.
The program provides free access to fitness activities and resources, removing financial barriers. In 2023, Mike Tyson Cares funded new Nike athletic shoes for all participants, easing the burden of rising costs for families.
Activities include sports and fitness sessions tailored to kids’ interests, with a focus on building skills like emotional regulation, teamwork, and goal-setting. Held at schools like Loreto Street Elementary, it responds to community needs identified through discussions with students and parents.
The Power Up Fitness Program empowers young people to lead healthier, more active lives while strengthening their communities through collective support and positive change.
Wrap up
Writing about Miguel feels personal, like telling a friend’s story. I see a guy who could’ve leaned on his dad’s fame but didn’t. Instead, he’s out there, learning, creating, giving. It reminds me of anyone who’s ever had big shoes to fill but chose their own path.