Mike Tyson Touts Expertise in Pigeon Bloodlines
The former heavyweight champion said on a podcast that he can identify pigeons from superior bloodlines, which can sell for millions.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Boxing
Mike Tyson said on the Fly on the Wall podcast with David Spade and Dana Carvey that he is a specialist in identifying expensive pigeons from superior bloodlines. Tyson said a pigeon can be auctioned for up to $2 million.
Why it matters
Tyson's comments highlight the high market value that can attach to certain racing pigeons, a niche that draws serious breeders and collectors. His stated passion for the birds also offers a window into a lesser-known side of the former boxer.
Tyson cited pigeon auction prices of up to $2 million, while a Belgian racing pigeon sold for $1.9 million in 2020. The source does not confirm whether Tyson's own birds carry comparable bloodlines or values.
The players
Mike Tyson
Mike Tyson is a former heavyweight boxing champion known for his aggressive style and tumultuous career outside the ring.
David Spade
David Spade is an American comedian and actor best known for his years on Saturday Night Live and his work in comedy films.
Dana Carvey
Dana Carvey is an American comedian and actor known for his impressions on Saturday Night Live and his film and television work.
The details
Tyson appeared on the Fly on the Wall podcast hosted by David Spade and Dana Carvey, where he described owning hundreds of pigeons and training them with treats, sometimes kissing their heads before they fly. He also recalled that a bully killed one of his birds in front of him, prompting him to start fighting the bully, and said he turned to animals in childhood because he struggled to connect with people.
Timeline
2011: Tyson wrote an op-ed defending pigeons in the New York Times.
2020: A Belgian racing pigeon sold for $1.9 million.
November 7, 2026: Tyson's podcast appearance on Fly on the Wall was published.
Season Trajectory
Tyson's 2011 New York Times op-ed defending pigeons is an earlier public statement of the same passion he now describes on Fly on the Wall. The podcast comments extend that long-running public interest rather than marking a new direction for him.
Readers following pigeon racing or collecting may find the cited $2 million and $1.9 million sale prices a useful benchmark for the market. The podcast does not provide details on how buyers verify bloodlines before purchasing.
The takeaway
Tyson's remarks show how a celebrity's private hobby can draw attention to a niche market where top birds fetch seven-figure prices. Readers interested in the category can compare these figures against documented auction records before drawing conclusions.
Further reading
For more on the sport tied to this profile, browse Boxing coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by EW.
