“That’s a Keepsake”: 36 Years Later, Fan Finally Finding Mike Tyson’s Long-Lost Letter in $80,000 Souvenir Leaves Boxing World Elated

With Mike Tyson’s prime, came a golden era for boxing. Every time the former heavyweight champion entered the ring, the world knew what was to come. Even today, years after he has hung up his gloves, his jabs still echo in the arenas he fought. One of the richest boxers of his time, Tyson, had amassed a staggering $400 million net worth. If one thought that this sum came only through fight payouts, they’d be wrong. Most of his money came through Tyson’s endorsements.

While he excelled in the ring with each passing year, he had multiple streams of income that he banked upon. One of them was a vintage Nintendo game. In 1987, when the game made its debut in the markets, it caused a frenzy amongst his fans. With everyone rushing to grab the console, the demand peaked. More than 30 years later, Punch-Out still remains something Tyson fans seek to have. With the game comes a letter from Tyson himself.

A Keepsake? Dream Come True for Many Mike Tyson Fans

When a fan puts in their money to procure merchandise for their idol, it is not just any purchase they make. It is an attempt to get closer to their idol. So was Nintendo’s Punch-Out. Originally marketed as ‘Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out’, the game entered the markets at the right time. It was the moment when ‘Iron Mike’ was in his prime. Then sold for a mere $34, it did a number on everyone who wanted to be a part of the Tyson Club. Years later, it is being sold for up to a staggering $80,000. But what comes with it? A letter by ‘Iron Mike’.

Drew Stiemel, a famous gaming YouTuber, recently took to his channel to show his followers the renowned Punch-Out. However, what caught fans’ attention was the letter that came with the Nintendo. The letter seemed to have quotes from the heavyweight boxer himself that imparted words of wisdom.

A fan projected their inner Tyson fan at the video. They said, “Mike Tyson is a great man, really wish I could meet him.”

Another user clarified that the letter, in fact, was a sort of keepsake from the days of the original game. They commented, “That’s a keepsake. I remember getting one similar from Hasbro. Made my day. So awesome.” Hasbro is another brand that sells legendary games like ‘Dungeons and Dragons’ and ‘Transformers.’ 

Another fan who had already used the console said, “I love punch out I could only ever get to Soda pop.” The game hosts multiple levels in the form of fighters, one of them being Soda Pop. But the end goal of every player remains to reach the level of the Mike Tyson character.

One of the quotes in the letter read, “Never become angry. it will inhibit your ability.” A fan in all jest mentioned that this is something that Iron Mike would say now. But at his peak? Not so much. The fan commented, “This is something the recent Mike Tyson would actually say, younger Mike Tyson not so much.”

Also Read: Sold for Measly $34 in 1987, Mike Tyson’s Nintendo Game is Now Worth Around $80,000 but Boxing Legend Has Never Played It

To top it all off, a user sarcastically remarked that procuring the game was an economically costly affair. They commented, “This can be yours for the low price of $2,324!”

Even after his retirement, Mike Tyson remains one of the most relevant fighters of his generation. And of course, the hype around the game and the letter that comes with is much sought after. Now discontinued, the game is still sold at auctions for very high prices. And it makes sense why. What do you think of the Punch-Out game? Let us know in the comments section below.

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