Mike Tyson claims to be on the verge of dying

Mike Tyson claims to be 'on the verge of dying' following ongoing drug and alcohol use

The 47-year-old says he's been sober for six days and admits to being a "vicious alcoholic" - but wants to live a sober life

Sobering thought: Mike Tyson claims to be a vicious alcoholic

Mike Tyson believes he is on the verge of dying from years of drug and alcohol abuse.

The 47-year-old former undisputed heavy weight world champion has admitted he's a continual substance abuser but is hopeful of getting clean.

Tyson told ESPN's "Friday NightFights": "I want to live my sober life. I don't want to die. I'm on the verge of dying, because I'm a vicious alcoholic.

"I'm a bad guy sometimes. I did a lot of bad things, I want to be forgiven."

And he added: "I hope they can forgive me. I want to change my life, I want to live a different life now.

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

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

Mike Tyson