Abandoned Home of Mike Tyson Becomes a Church | The Weather Channel
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In 1999, Mike Tyson sold his Ohio home, which is now in the works of becoming a church.

ByEuna Park
June 24, 2016Updated: June 24, 2016, 11:41 am EDTPublished: June 24, 2016, 11:41 am EDT


An outside view of Mike Tyson's former home.

(Johnny Joo/Caters News)


At age 20, Mike Tyson was the youngest boxer to win the World Boxing Council, World Boxing Association and International Boxing Federation heavyweight titles. He lived in a spacious home in Southington, Ohio during the late 80s and 90s, but after a rough patch in his personal life and career, Tyson put up his mansion up for sale for $1.3 million.


(Johnny Joo/Caters News)



(Johnny Joo/Caters News)



(Johnny Joo/Caters News)


Since the sale, his home had multiple owners and in December 2014, it was purchased by Living World Sanctuary for a reported $750,000 to renovate it into a church.

Before the renovations began, photographer Johnny Joo had the opportunity to photograph the massive 58-acre estate, which includes five bedrooms, expansive living spaces, seven and a half bathrooms, a large indoor pool and a basketball court.


(Johnny Joo/Caters News)



(Johnny Joo/Caters News)


“It felt cold, rather empty and eerie—not so much a creepy eerie, but a more interesting one,” said Joo. “As I wandered the halls and rooms I imagined the wild parties which must have taken place within these walls.”


(Johnny Joo/Caters News)


But of the many abandoned places Joo has photographed, he said that Tyson’s home is one of the best-preserved locations. “It makes a perfect candidate for the church to move into and build their sanctuary,” he said. “Structurally the home is wonderful and I can’t wait to see the restoration completed over time.”


(Johnny Joo/Caters News)



(Johnny Joo/Caters News)


Many areas of the home will be transformed into new spaces. For example, the bedrooms will become classrooms and the garage will become a nursery.


(Johnny Joo/Caters News)


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