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via Getty

via Getty

During his prime, Mike Tyson was not only one of the best boxers in the world, but also one of the most famous and influential people in the United States. The former heavyweight champion’s impact reached way beyond boxing, into other sports and popular culture. To this day, Iron Mike is still one of the most popular people in the world.

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Moreover, this was perfectly displayed after a rare photo of Tyson trying to punch MLB legend Doc Gooden in 1986 recently surfaced. The photo was taken in the year Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion and was gaining fame and popularity.

In the photo, Iron Mike is seen throwing a right hand at Gooden as another MLB legend, Darryl Strawberry, tries to pull Tyson away. However, this was just a part of some playful punching done in a friendly manner. This was not all, as fans were quick to react to this rare photo.

Fans React to a rare photo of Mike Tyson

One fan stated that it looked like Tyson had already won the title or was going to win it. “Tyson either had just won the title or was getting ready too!!” He wrote. Another fan lauded Iron Mike as his favorite fighter ever, but claimed he had changed over the years. “Tyson my favorite fighter ever..he’s a totally different person now.” he wrote.

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Moreover, one fan reflected on how money and fame changed people forming habits that were hard to break “It’s sad how ppl get money and pick up habits ….it never makes sense to me …but I guess money changes ppl those habits are something hard to break great picture for sure.” he wrote. Lastly, one fan praised Tyson and stated that Tyson’s downfall came after his mentor Cus D’Amato’s death as he was left alone with people trying to take advantage of him. “The young champ and I don’t care what nobody say his downfall came after Cus died. They came out like hungry wolves.” he wrote.

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Tyson’s life certainly took a turn for the worse after D’Amato died. The legendary boxing coach was a father figure for Tyson, who was in need of parental guidance. Moreover, D’Amato would help Iron Mike channel his demos into boxing, turning him into one of the most brutal and vicious champions in boxing.

What did you think about this photo? Let us know in the comments.

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WATCH THIS STORY: Five Times Mike Tyson Lost His Temper inside the Boxing Ring

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