Mike Tyson Claims He Is 'Close To Death'

Former boxing world champion Mike Tyson has claimed he is "on the verge of dying" due to his struggle with alcohol and drugs.

During an emotional news conference after he made his debut as a boxing promoter, the 47-year-old confessed to still being an alcoholic and drug user.

"I'm a bad guy sometimes. I did a lot of bad things and I want to be forgiven," he said at the conference aired on ESPN's Friday Night Fights.

"I wanna change my life, I wanna live a different life now. I wanna live my sober life.

"I don't wanna die. I'm on the verge of dying because I'm a vicious alcoholic.

"I haven't drank or took drugs in six days, and for me that's a miracle.

"I've been lying to everybody else that think I was sober, but I'm not. This is my sixth day. I'm never gonna use again."

The former heavyweight world champion spoke about his battle when he was asked about ending his 30-year feud with former trainer Teddy Atlas.

In 2007 he was convicted of possession of cocaine and driving under the influence.

He also served three years in prison following a 1992 rape conviction and also served three months for assault in 1999.