Mike Tyson Says He Owns ‘Hundreds, Maybe a Thousand’ Pigeons

• Mike Tyson tells PEOPLE he owns hundreds, “maybe a thousand” pigeons across the United States
• His pigeons make a cameo in the boxer’s new campaign for a partnership with Dr. Squatch
• Tyson reveals elements of his softer side during the interview, admitting he cries at sad movies and collects cologne

Mike Tyson still really loves pigeons.

Longtime fans of Tyson, 58, may have heard him mention his fondness for pigeons over the years, like his 2011 blog for the New York Times where he says he considers pigeons “the first loving relationship” he ever had and credits them with his desire to fight. In his series that same year, Taking on Tyson, the “baddest man on the planet” as he became “involved in the world of pigeon racing.”

These days, Tyson’s love for pigeons is still going strong. “My whole life has pretty much started over pigeons, my whole developmental life. I was 11 years old when pigeons got me into fighting,” he tells PEOPLE while promoting his partnership with Dr. Squatch.

“Pigeons got me out of trouble, pigeons got me into trouble, and it’s just been my whole life,” says Tyson.

“I own hundreds of pigeons. I own some in California and New Jersey. I have some in Florida. I have some in Vegas. I have hundreds, maybe a thousand.”

Tyson’s lifelong love of the often overlooked birds has only gotten stronger as he ages, the boxer shares. “I’ve done pigeons longer than I’ve done anything — boxing and everything,” he says.

“Boxing is over and pigeons are still here.”

Tyson, who’s “always taking pictures and videos” with his birds, was excited to incorporate his pigeons into content for his Dr. Squatch campaign. “Most of anything I do, they’re in,” he says. “Just a day in my life.”

Those surprised by Tyson’s affection for pigeons might also be excited to learn that the heavyweight champ embraces his soft spot in many ways.

A self-described “shower freak” who loves to smell good, Tyson estimates he owns about 150 different colognes. The father of seven adds that his favorite product from Dr. Squatch’s new Total Moisture line is shea butter soap.

When PEOPLE asks Tyson if embracing his sensitive side means he also cries at sad movies like the rest of us, he says, “Absolutely.” He won’t reveal any titles that have brought him to tears, however. “That doesn’t concern you. It doesn’t matter,” Tyson quips.

“If you’re a human being, you have to cry over life. Life is worth crying for. Life is worth smiling and being happy for. If you’re living in this world, you’re going to cry over life. And life is on television.”

These days, Tyson is finding joy in travel. “I’m just working, hanging out with my birds, going visiting people living in Dubai, Saudi Arabia,” he shares of his recent adventures. “I just came back from meeting a guy from Indonesia, but not Bali, just now two days ago. I do a lot of traveling.”

“Just existing. Just life. Just being able to see my children. I’m not able to see them that much because they’re always traveling, but just to be home with everyone in the family is what I’m all about,” Tyson tells PEOPLE.

“I’m all about being a father, taking care of my family, doing the right thing. And that’s success for me. Sometimes, success is getting a million bucks, but to me, success is just being able to love everybody in your family and be involved with their lives.”