WATCH: Controversial MLB Superstar Barry Bonds Catches ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson Unaware at a Low-Key Event

Barry Bonds and Mike Tyson are legendary athletes and iconic representatives of their respective sports. Both of them reigned over two different sporting backgrounds. However, their infamy put them on a parallel lining. Despite having achieved extraordinary success in their careers, their milestones got overshadowed by their controversies. Back in 2012, Bonds once surprised Tyson at a public event.

When talking about Bonds, the Giants legend made his MLB debut as a left fielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1986. Though he played the major portion of his career with the San Francisco Giants from 1993 to 2007. He gained prominence as a champion slugger and established the reputation of a ‘Home Run King’.

A surprise appearance by Barry Bonds at Mike Tyson’s event 

Barry Bonds bid farewell to baseball in 2007, whereas Mike Tyson officially stepped out of the boxing ring in 2005. Unbeknownst to many, both Bonds and Tyson are personal acquaintances of each other. Post-retirement, Tyson has remained busy with numerous promotional events. Therefore, in 2012, Tyson was delivering a speech as a guest speaker at the Fit Expo. 

Bonds arrived at the spot, went on stage, and surprised Tyson. Seeing Bonds, Tyson gave a warm embrace and thanked Bonds for the visit. As Bonds went down the stage, a jubilant Tyson announced, “Barry Bonds, you all. Yeah! Barry Bonds!” 

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Later in 2014, Tyson again posted an image of himself with Bonds, quoting, “Hanging out with the home run king.” While Bonds who saw the image, replied, “Thanks my friend you are awesome…!!!!” Thus, an instance where both of them confirmed their friendly ties.

When talking about Tyson’s sporting journey, the boxing champ, nicknamed ‘Iron Mike’, had won his initial championship belt as a 20-year-old. He registered 19 knockout victories, out of which 12 wins came in the first round itself. He dominated the boxing ring as the reigning undisputed heavyweight boxing champion from 1987 to 1990.

Bonds and Tyson: legendary athletes with tarnished legacies 

Bonds amassed a colossal total of 762 home runs throughout his career. But his heroic image fell into disgrace after getting busted for steroid usage. Thus, in 2007, he got indicted by a Federal Grand Jury. Consequently, Bonds hasn’t got an MLB Hall Of Fame induction, despite his mighty contributions. Likewise, Tyson’s long list of scandals gave him the dubious distinction of ‘The Baddest Man on the Planet’. 

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So, how much do you know about Barry Bonds and Mike Tyson’s friendship? Share your thoughts in the comments section.