Legendary boxer Mike Tyson is no stranger to tackling the unknown when it comes to his personal and professional life. The former multi-division World Champion is set to return to action after a 15-year lay-off from the ring.
However, before he laces his gloves up again, ‘Iron Mike’ enlisted into an adventure special that saw him undertake increasingly challenging tasks.
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Chiefly, the show entitled ‘Tyson vs Jaws- Rumble on the Reef’ saw the 54-year-old defy the odds once more. Combat sports fans have been excitedly following along Discovery’s special that chronicles the icon’s adventurous nature.
However, even ‘The Baddest Man on the Planet’ has certain inhibitions when it comes to squaring off against predators from the deep blue.
Iron Mike: Almost inhuman
‘Iron Mike’ has displayed incredible resolve throughout his professional career and showcased his incredible durability time and time again. However, when faced with the prospect of treacherous sharks, he too felt the pressure rise.
Not a great sign before the dive! #SharkWeek pic.twitter.com/G6IU4fUpvR
— Shark Week (@SharkWeek) August 10, 2020
The formidable heavyweight touched upon his fears in conversation with The New York Post and expressed his inhibitions. Fight fans have gotten to know Tyson and his mindset through his podcast ‘Hot Boxin’ with Mike Tyson’.
He has brought to light a warmer side that the media failed to capture during his professional prime.
“I was scared all the way through and was just trying to get through it alive. I’m a scary guy but not when it comes to adventurous stuff.
“I was more nervous in the cage than I was outside the cage. It’s so claustrophobic in there. But it got easier, and the desire to do it more overcame me as well. After I went down the first couple of times, I didn’t have that fear.”
The megastar further continued to say that he was looking to up the ante during his appearance on the show. Despite his fears, Tyson continues to push the boundaries and is truly beloved by fans.
“I was looking forward to meeting a tiger shark but he never showed up.”
Mike Tyson x Roy Jones Jr.
His next challenge lies in an 8 round exhibition against fellow icon Roy Jones Jr taking place in November. The bout was first slated for September 12, however, it was recently pushed back towards the end of the year.
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Roy Jones is a formidable foe as he has been active as recently as 2018. Fight fans are chomping at the bit to see boxing royalty duke it out under the bright lights once again.
SOURCE- New York Post, Shark Week Twitter