Mike Tyson was last active in the boxing world when he took on Roy Jones Jr. back in 2020. However, after almost three years of inactivity, ‘Iron Mike’ is once again set to return to the sport — although his role would come as a surprise to many.
Tyson will be seen in the upcoming ‘World’s Baddest Motherfuck*r’ fight between Francis Ngannou and Tyson Fury as the former’s coach.
Ngannou will need all the help he can get in his quest to get one over Fury, who is yet to taste defeat. And there can be no better help than having the original ‘The Baddest Man on The Planet’ in your camp. Ngannou’s press release announcing this quoted Tyson as saying:
“He isn’t a combat novice; he is a world champion. He knows how to compete when the bell rings, but the key will be combining his energy and combat skills into his punches and using his agility to move swiftly around the ring then delivering the knock-out blow. We’re here to win.”
Interstingly, Tyson Fury was named after Mike Tyson himself. Both ‘The Gypsy King’ and his father have also appeared on Mike Tyson’s podcast. However, it was the former UFC world heavyweight champion, whom Tyson sided with.
Will Mike Tyson’s Experience Change Ngannou’s Fortunes?
That remains to be seen given his current underdog status, but Ngannou is clearly thrilled to have a legend like Tyson in his camp.
“Bringing Mike Tyson into my training camp is one of the best decisions I can make to prepare for Tyson Fury in the ring at this year’s Riyadh Season. Mike Tyson is an idol of mine in the sport. His experience and boxing IQ will be important to honing my technique under his guidance to win this super-fight.”
Besides his impressive resume, Tysno also brings in learnings from having been coached by one of the greatest boxing coaches, Cus D’Amato.
It remains to be seen if Tyson will have the same type of influence over Ngannou’s boxing journey as D’Amato had on him but nevertheless, Tyson’s presence in ‘The Predator’ camp should bring a wave of positivity.
And as far as his fortunes are concerned, Francis will be hoping he can change those himself, as he did when he travelled from the sandmines of Cameroon to the United States to become the UFC heavyweight champion.
