Author: quyen1

  • Who are Victoria’s powerful parents? They were the launching pad for Travis to become a billionaire, right?

    Who are Victoria’s powerful parents? They were the launching pad for Travis to become a billionaire, right?

    Victoria Beckham stirred controversy when she claimed she came from a working-class background, a statement contradicted by her husband David Beckham.

    In his Netflix docuseries released on October 4, 2023, she asserted her upbringing was “very working-class,” citing her family’s hard work for success.

    However, David interjected, questioning the car her father drove her to school in, revealing their affluent lifestyle, including her father’s ownership of a Rolls Royce in the 80s.

    Born Victoria Caroline Adams on April 17, 1974, at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Essex, England, she was raised by Jacqueline Doreen and Anthony William Adams.

    Her father, an electronic engineer, and her mother, an insurance clerk and hairdresser, owned a thriving wholesale business


    Providing a luxurious upbringing for Victoria, contrary to her claim of a working-class background.

    The revelation sparked online amusement and discussions, with some marveling at the family’s wealth and others praising David’s humble origins.

    Some speculated that David’s interruption stemmed from his modest upbringing, unlike Victoria’s.

    David and Victoria met in 1997 at a charity match in the Manchester United players’ lounge and married on July 4, 1999. They share four children: Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz, and Harper.

    During her segment in the docuseries, Victoria candidly discussed David’s alleged affair in 2003

    Describing it as the “hardest period” in their lives, feeling as if the world was against them.

    She admitted to feeling pitted against each other, likening it to a nightmare, though they refrained from disclosing the woman’s name.

  • Best Knockouts Of Mike Tyson, Boxing (VIDEO)

    Best Knockouts Of Mike Tyson, Boxing (VIDEO)

    Mike Tyson’s boxing prowess once again took center stage in a series of breathtaking matches, showcasing his unmatched skill and power in the ring. From devastating knockouts to strategic maneuvers, Tyson’s performances left audiences in awe and his opponents reeling.

    In one memorable bout, Tyson’s lightning-fast reflexes and precision punches were on full display as he delivered a stunning left hook that sent his opponent crashing to the canvas. The crowd erupted in applause as Tyson’s dominance asserted itself with each successive blow.

    Throughout his career, Tyson’s ability to read his opponents and capitalize on their weaknesses was evident. His defensive skills were often overlooked, but they were just as crucial to his success as his powerful punches. Tyson’s ability to slip inside his opponent’s guard and land devastating blows was a testament to his boxing IQ and technical prowess.

    Boxing: Mike Tyson reveals which knockout is the favorite of his entire  career in boxing | Marca

    In another bout, Tyson demonstrated his ability to finish fights with ruthless efficiency. With a relentless barrage of punches, he systematically broke down his opponent’s defenses, leaving them helpless against his onslaught. It was a masterclass in offensive boxing, as Tyson unleashed a barrage of hooks and uppercuts that left his opponent battered and bruised.

    But perhaps most impressive was Tyson’s resilience and determination. Despite facing setbacks and adversity, Tyson always found a way to come out on top. Whether it was bouncing back from a defeat or overcoming personal challenges, Tyson’s tenacity and grit were an inspiration to fans around the world.

    In the end, Tyson’s legacy as one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time is secure. His combination of speed, power, and technical skill made him a force to be reckoned with in the ring. And while his career may be over, his impact on the sport of boxing will be felt for generations to come.

  • Mike Tyson (USA) vs James Buster Douglas (USA) | KNOCKOUT, Boxing Fight Highlights(VIDEO)

    Mike Tyson (USA) vs James Buster Douglas (USA) | KNOCKOUT, Boxing Fight Highlights(VIDEO)

    In a stunning upset that has sent shockwaves through the world of boxing, James “Buster” Douglas has emerged victorious over the previously undefeated heavyweight champion, Mike Tyson. The highly anticipated match took place in Tokyo, Japan, on February 11, 1990, and will forever be remembered as one of the greatest upsets in boxing history.


    From the opening bell, it was clear that Douglas was not intimidated by the reputation of his opponent. Despite being considered a significant underdog, Douglas showcased remarkable resilience and skill throughout the fight. He weathered Tyson’s powerful punches in the early rounds and maintained his composure even when faced with adversity.

    As the fight progressed, Douglas continued to defy expectations, landing significant blows of his own and effectively neutralizing Tyson’s aggressive style. While Tyson managed to knock Douglas down in the eighth round, the challenger refused to back down and quickly regained his footing.

    Buster Douglas (USA) vs Mike Tyson (USA) | KNOCKOUT, BOXING fight, HD - YouTube

    In the tenth round, Douglas delivered a decisive blow that sent Tyson to the canvas for the first time in his career. With the referee’s count reaching ten, it became clear that Tyson would not be able to recover, and Douglas was declared the winner by knockout.

    The victory marks a historic moment for Douglas, who has now etched his name into the annals of boxing lore as the new heavyweight champion of the world. His triumph is a testament to his skill, determination, and unwavering belief in himself, despite overwhelming odds.

    For Tyson, the loss represents a significant setback in his career and brings an end to his reign as the undisputed heavyweight champion. It serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports and the importance of never underestimating an opponent.

    As the boxing world comes to terms with this monumental upset, one thing is certain: James “Buster” Douglas’s victory will be remembered as a defining moment in the sport’s history, forever immortalizing him as a legend in the ring.

  • Donovan Ruddock (Canada) vs Mike Tyson 2 (USA) | Boxing Fight Highlights (VIDEO)

    Donovan Ruddock (Canada) vs Mike Tyson 2 (USA) | Boxing Fight Highlights (VIDEO)

    In the heart of the boxing world, fans gathered in anticipation for the highly awaited rematch between two heavyweights: Donovan “Razor” Ruddock and the formidable former Undisputed World Heavyweight Champion, Mighty Mike Tyson. As the bell rang, the crowd braced themselves for what would surely be a hard-hitting, intense showdown.

    From the outset, it was clear that both fighters were determined to leave everything in the ring. Tyson, known for his ferocious power and relentless aggression, wasted no time asserting himself, while Ruddock, razor-sharp and ready, aimed to prove his mettle against the former champion.

    The early rounds saw Tyson’s trademark aggression on display, as he landed powerful blows that staggered Ruddock, who appeared tentative in comparison to their first encounter. Despite Tyson’s dominance, Ruddock refused to back down, landing counter punches that kept the former champion honest.

    Mike Tyson vs Donovan Ruddock II "The Rematch" - YouTube

    As the fight progressed, both fighters showed signs of fatigue, yet their determination never wavered. Ruddock’s strategy seemed to rely on weathering Tyson’s onslaught, hoping to capitalize on opportunities later in the bout. However, Tyson’s relentless pressure and unwavering resolve kept Ruddock on the defensive.

    Controversy arose in the middle rounds as Tyson landed a series of low blows, prompting referee Mills Lane to deduct a point. Despite this setback, Tyson continued to press forward, unleashing a barrage of punches that tested Ruddock’s resilience.

    In the later rounds, Ruddock found success with well-timed counter punches, momentarily stunning Tyson and earning the respect of the crowd. However, Tyson’s relentless assault proved too much for Ruddock to handle, as he found himself knocked down multiple times by the former champion’s devastating blows.

    Who do you think would win between Tommy Morrison who knocked Donovan Ruddock out or Mike Tyson who knocked Tyrell Biggs and Holmes out? - Quora

    As the final bell rang, both fighters had given their all, leaving spectators on the edge of their seats. While Tyson emerged victorious, the battle had taken its toll on both men, highlighting the true essence of the sport: grit, determination, and unwavering courage in the face of adversity.

    In the aftermath of the bout, questions lingered regarding Tyson’s low blows and Ruddock’s resilience, but one thing was certain: the rematch had lived up to its billing as a clash of titans, leaving an indelible mark on the annals of boxing history.

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

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

    Ever wondered how expensive original copies of Ninetendos can get? Well, the answer is a lot. Especially if it is a game associated with a legendary personality. Sportstars have always been in pursuit of ways they can boost their brand value. Sometimes through clothing, signed accessories, and even collaborations with big companies. Mike Tyson signed one such deal in 1987 with Nintendo. The company released a game called, “Punch-out,” and struck a deal to use Tyson’s name along with it. 1987 was also the year ‘Iron Mike,’ was in the prime of his career.

    Mike Tyson however did not make an appearance in the latest Punch-out series. Before a sequel could be made, Nintendo’s license with Tyson expired. Later, instead of renewing their contract with him, the company decided to replace his character with a fictional one, named, ‘Mr. Dream.’  The character had the same face but a different name now. Iron Mike’ took to Twitter to express his disappointment over the sequel.

    Moreover, a rapper friend of Tyson revealed in an interview that the ‘Baddest Man on the Planet’ never even played the game.

    Mike Tyson has not played the game “Punch Out”

    Decades After 'Punch-Out!!' Generates $1.7 Billion, Mike Tyson Makes a  Startling Confession About His Game - EssentiallySports

    Rapper Tony Yayo in a recent interview with Dj Vlad revealed that the legend has never played the Nintendo game made in collaboration with him. Calling the game, “Hall of Fame of Videogames,” Yayo said, “I think I got to Tyson. I don’t think I ever beat him. I used to play Mike Tyson’s Punchout all the time but you start it off and fight him at least ten times… You know Mike never played it.”

     The two discussed the different characters of the game in detail and spoke about how difficult it was to clear Punch-out.

  • Insider Reveals “Ridiculous” Facts About 50 Cent’s Regretful Purchase of Mike Tyson’s $4.1 Million Mansion

    Insider Reveals “Ridiculous” Facts About 50 Cent’s Regretful Purchase of Mike Tyson’s $4.1 Million Mansion

    In 2007, Grammy-winning rapper 50 Cent made a choice that has been branded as “ridiculous” by his long-time friend. Shelling out $4.1 million, he purchased the sprawling 21-bedroom mansion previously owned by boxing titan Mike Tyson, embarking on a luxury lifestyle filled with grandeur and extravagance. However, beneath the glitz and glamour lay a startling reality that would make even the most hardened mogul’s jaw drop.

    Now, 50 Cent reveals the staggering losses he faced and the tremendous weight of maintaining this colossal estate. But there’s a twist to this tale – an aspect that’s as amusing as it is surprising. Yes, the mansion had a nightclub, and yes, 50 Cent did sell it for less than he bought it for. But that’s not all. Read on to discover the unexpected elements that made this mansion a regretful purchase for the multi-millionaire rapper.

    Tony Yayo’s unforgettable experience at 50 Cent’s mansion

    50 Cent reage ao saber que Mike Tyson está vendendo petiscos de maconha em  forma de orelha

    In a recent interview with DJ VladTony Yayo, 50 Cent’s long-time friend and collaborator, shared some fascinating details about his experiences in the colossal mansion. Yayo confessed, “It was just a house that [50] was never there anyway,” hinting at the sheer size and scale of the property.

    DJ Vlad noted the property’s geographical isolation, pointing out that “it’s far.” Yayo agreed, “It was in Connecticut… it was so big that you know we’d bring the party to us.” The mansion wasn’t just a home; it was an entertainment hub. It had a firing range, motorbikes, and even a club. “We had one of the biggest pools in the world in there. And we had indoor pools, outdoor pools… everything sauna, full gym,” Yayo added, painting a vivid picture of the grandeur.

  • Peter McNeeley’s Bold Move to Call Out Mike Tyson, Igniting Memories of Their Infamous Encounter

    Peter McNeeley’s Bold Move to Call Out Mike Tyson, Igniting Memories of Their Infamous Encounter

    Peter “The Hurricane” McNeeley says he is on board to go toe-to-toe with the man dubbed the GOAT for an exhibition match.

    Tyson famously battered McNeeley in less than 90 seconds during his famous comeback fight in 1995 – when he made his professional return after a three-year prison sentence having been convicted of rape.

    Now in an exclusive interview, McNeeley vowed to avenge his defeat and meet “force with force” should Tyson agree to the rematch.

    Reports have already claimed Iron Mike is weighing up a deal for a four round exhibition bout with Evander Holyfield.

    Tyson Fury’s dad John, as well as Shannon Briggs, have thrown their names into the running for a fight with Iron Mike.

    But Boston brawler McNeeley says that he is ready to “stick it” to Tyson, but not throw bombs – event though he knows that the New Yorker has a superior skill set.

    In an in-depth interview, McNeeley opened up about their initial fight in Las Vegas, where he was knocked down twice before his trainer threw in the towel.

    Cheerful McNeely reveals he was terrified before the match, even though publicly he’d promised to wreck Tyson’s comeback.

    McNeeley was devastated by Tyson’s speed and precision, but also insists his trainers had prepared him well to avoid “damage from power left hooks”.

    After the demolition, Tyson and McNeeley became friends three years later with the loser confirming he still has “huge respect and love” for Iron Mike.

    But McNeeley feels Muhammed Ali is the greatest to have ever stepped inside a ring, not his friend Tyson.

    “Like all things in Mike’s life, this whole thing takes on a life of it own and it rolls into a monster.”

    On a potential rematch, McNeeley told SunSport: “Of course I would do it again. It would be a fairytale.

    “But the bottom line for the world to be entertained by these Gods, it comes down to one thing – money. It is all about the money!

    “It is all about Mike. I can say things, but it is about what he wants to do, because that is what will happen.

    “According to Mike he just wants three or four rounds exhibitions for charity. And of course that could be fun.

    “But like all things in Mike’s life, this whole thing takes on a life of it own and it rolls into a monster.

    “People are saying that he may come back from retirement and is going to fight Holyfield, I mean come on.

    “Mike is 53, not in his prime like when we fought 25 years ago. He looks in great shape and maybe he is returning as a pro?

    Time traveller' spotted at Mike Tyson's legendary 1995 boxing match using  smartphone - Daily Record

    “I do not believe that the WBC would rank him, of course Mike could walk into a press conference tomorrow and say he was signing real contracts and everything changes.

    “But hey I am the same weight and size I was back then, but I am not sure if I can throw or take punches like I did then. You only know that when you step in the ring.

    “I am not worried for his ring return, but I am not worried. He has huge experience and knows himself.”

    McNeeley knows Holyfield may be Tyson’s first challenger given figures of £16million have been raised.

    But he urged Tyson to reconsider, saying: “This is the odd thing, Evander already beat Mike 2 and 0, including he one we all remember as the pay per chew – where he bit his ear off.

    “So come on, this is not a real No3 fight. People have to got to realise what is real. So I’m not sure if they both need money – that is their business.

    “Evander does not have a vast fortune, who really knows. But there is no way it can match what we saw in their fights.”

    Reflecting on his own skillset, McNeeley – whose career saw him have a record of 47 fights and seven losses – said: “Have I got gas in the tank? I am walking – so there is gas in the tank.

    “I am in good shape – weighing 225lbs – but I am smart enough to know my body was a whole different ball game back then.

    “I am lean and mean. At 51 my body is not the same, but who knows – maybe I can take a punch better than I did back then.

    “I last sparred about two and a half years, but I work with younger boxers most days.

    “I coach a lot of youngsters at the 978 IntenZe (CORR) gym in Lawrence, Massachusetts. I run defence a lot, to aid them their offence. It never leaves you.

    “These are great guys at the gym, who do a lot of good for the community especially in this tough city keeping kids, teens and early 20s out of trouble. So this would be nice for them too.”

    Mike Tyson called out by Peter 'The Hurricane' McNeeley – the man Iron Mike  battered after release from prison – The Sun | The Sun

    In 1995, the then-highest ever pay per view TV audience watched clinic Tyson dismantle McNeeley in 89 seconds in Las Vegas.

    McNeeley vows that he will repeat the same tactics he adopted that night, despite his disastrous defeat.

    He added: “Look I was the only boxer to ever go after Mike from the bell in round one.

    “I stuck it to him and I would do the same again if we fought today. You have to meet force with force.

    “In a real fight someone is looking to knock you out, set you up and hurt you. Look obviously it is an exhibition match no-one will be throwing bombs, trying to kill.

    “But I would not hold back. These types of fights are like light sparring. You show your boxing skills and then get behind your jab for a bit.

    “Sure I can box a little, but I am not known for the finesse of someone like Ali.

    “Mike has been around the block and can handle himself so it could be fun. Maybe for the second one I could achieve the things I failed to in the first match.”

    He added with his enigmatic Boston charm: “It‘d be nice to see Mike again, but to avoid that upper cut.”

    McNeeley was lifted from virtual obscurity to face Tyson, the former undisputed heavyweight champion, in front of 16,113 fans at the MGM Grand Garden on August 19, 1995.

    The spectacle grossed almost £85million worldwide and set multiple domestic pay-per-view records.

    Underdog McNeeley adopted the same tactics as he approached every one of his previous 37 fights.

  • When Legends Collide: Unearthing the Intense Showdown of Mike Tyson vs Frank Bruno, a Throwback to 30 Years Ago

    When Legends Collide: Unearthing the Intense Showdown of Mike Tyson vs Frank Bruno, a Throwback to 30 Years Ago

    While the heavyweight division is today ruled by Anthony Joshua, there was once another likeable, well-built Brit who carried the hopes of a nation on his broad shoulders.

    Frank Bruno had the body, the charisma, the heart and the booming laugh which made him adored by the public.

    His biggest challenge came 30 years ago today when he took on the menacing Mike Tyson in Las Vegas.

    We relive how that memorable night unfolded in our classic fight series.

    “Bruno’s face is already marked up but he’s fighting back and he’s hurt Tyson with a good left. He knows he can hurt him now. Get in there Frank!”

    These were the words famously yelled by legendary commentator Harry Carpenter in a moment of bias, as he along with the rest of the nation got behind Bruno in his quest to dethrone the fearsome American.

    Up until that point, no fighter had so much as laid a glove on Tyson, let alone put a chink in his armour, but a left hook from Bruno, who had already touched the canvas in the opening round, showed everyone, albeit momentarily, the champion was human.

    However, Tyson quickly regained his composure, the legs that looked as if they may betray him, were sturdy once more.

    Those brief seconds of success Bruno enjoyed were to be his last.

    “When I actually caught Mike Tyson and he started rocking [in the first round] I thought for a minute that possibly we had him,” Bruno said.

    “But he came back much stronger and I certainly knew about it when he started hitting me. The hurt – not only physically, but psychologically – of losing that fight is difficult to make people understand.”

    A 16-month hiatus from the ring would hardly have been ideal preparation, let alone when your opponent is the world’s most dominant fighter.

    Bruno’s last bout was against Joe Bugner, the Hungarian-born Australian-British heavyweight who had fought the likes of Muhammed Ali, Joe Frazier and Henry Cooper, and he stopped his ageing opponent in eight.

    Tyson had also been absent from the squared circle – eight months he spent dealing with injuries and personal issues. His wife, Robin Givens, filed for divorce and then a £125million defamation suit against him. A broken hand after a street fight with former foe Mitch Green meant his fight with Bruno would have to wait.

    The pair were meant to meet at Wembley Stadium in October 1988, before the fight was rescheduled to take place at the Las Vegas Hilton, Nevada the following February.

    Mike Tyson vs Frank Bruno: The sensational forgotten round which almost  made 'dreams come true' | The Independent

    When the long-awaited meeting finally came around, few gave the affable Brit a chance.

    Standing 6ft 3in, with a torso chiselled from granite, his physical presence was unmatched. But despite the aesthetic advantages, the paradox was in the personality.

    Adored by the British public for his playful humour, commercials and endearing chuckle, some considered him ‘too nice’ and lacking the ruthless edge to dominate in boxing’s marquee division.

    On the other hand, his opponent spread terror among the other heavyweights. ‘Iron’ Mike had become the youngest champion of all time, when he dispatched Trevor Berbick in the second round at just 20 years and four months in 1986.

    Moulded by Cus D’Amato and guided by Kevin Rooney, the street-fighter from Brownsville, Brooklyn, New York, was programmed into a savage. With his 20 inch neck, stocky build and fearsome combinations, many Tyson victims were simply intimidated long before the first bell had even rung.

    Bruno entered the ring, complete with red robe and the backing of several hundred travelling supporters, hoping to see an upset. Stepping through the second rope he looked tense, understandably so.

    Next through the curtain was Tyson. The WBC, WBA, IBF and lineal belt holder glistened with sweat, the trademark towel which was worn over his head, was promptly removed, all that remained were the black trunks and black ankle high boots; throwback style. This only added to the menace.

    The first round was electric, the two exchanged blows and Bruno was down within 30 seconds. Referee Richard Steele quickly warned the challenger about his frequent rabbit punches (blows to the back of the head).

    Brutal confrontation between Mike Tyson (USA) vs Frank Bruno (England) -  YouTube

    Bruno then stunned Tyson with a left hook, and the crowd erupted.

    “It was harder than the punch (a right uppercut) that (Tony) Tucker got me with,” Tyson said, referring to a shot Tucker landed in their unification clash two years prior.

    The ring rust was evident in the champion; he would take another three rounds to find his rhythm, Bruno was feeling the pace, he clinched often and absorbed more.

    Tyson landed several left hooks hoping to end proceedings, but Bruno was showing considerable toughness.

    In the fifth, the fight continued in much of the same pattern, Bruno was now in survival mode, but a sickening left to the body sent him back to the ropes with 20 seconds remaining.

    Tyson’s predatory instincts kicked in like a shark smelling blood. Another crunching hook to the body was followed by a full-blooded uppercut that nearly separated Bruno from his senses. Thankfully, Steele had seen enough and rescued Bruno from further punishment.

    Tyson embraced yet another beaten adversary, Bruno had done himself proud despite again missing out on a world title.

    The two men would rematch seven years later, the roles reversed this time, with Bruno the WBC champion. Tyson would relieve him of the belt in three rounds.

    But, 30 years ago to the day, fans will never forget the moment Bruno almost stunned Tyson.

  • 20 Years Ago: Mike Tyson’s Unpredictable Adventures with the Kray Twins, Piers Morgan, and Jack Straw

    20 Years Ago: Mike Tyson’s Unpredictable Adventures with the Kray Twins, Piers Morgan, and Jack Straw

    “When I first met him at the press conference I was so wound up – I’d have fought him, then and there,” says Julius Francis two decades later

    Mike Tyson’s first fight in Britain, 20 years ago to the day, was a whirlwind of police sirens and imprisoned gangsters, with a boxing match briefly thrown in. It was anarchy, Tyson-style, during the weirdest and most chaotic period of his career.

    Tyson defeated Julius Francis in Manchester 29 days into the new millennium, flooring him five times in a brutal two rounds, but the fight itself was when order was restored to a controversial few weeks. For the four minutes that it lasted, at least.

    “The only thing I’d change? Not the training, not the money, not the atmosphere. The only thing would be the outcome,” Francis told Sky Sports two decades later. But he felt like part of a minority who wanted the fight to happen, at the time.

    Mike Tyson out of control 20 years ago: The Kray Twins, Piers Morgan, Jack  Straw – his mad British chapter | Boxing News | Sky Sports

    Tyson, aged 33 and no longer the world heavyweight champion, was slowly slipping into total disarray. He had messily divorced Robin Givens, had lost two fights to Evander Holyfield (in the second of which he notoriously bit off a chunk of his rival’s ear). He returned by viciously yanking at Francois Botha’s arm before knocking him out, then chinning Orlin Norris after the bell resulting in a no contest.

    Tyson had been imprisoned twice, most notably serving just under three years for rape. Campaigning groups and politicians rallied not to let Tyson come to the UK but Home Secretary Jack Straw granted him special dispensation. The fight was on.

    “It was put to us that, with Tyson coming to England, the only person he could box would be the British champion. That was Julius Francis,” said his trainer Mark Roe.

    Francis was given little chance, with 21 victories from 28 fights, and attracted ridicule when he accepted sponsorship from Piers Morgan’s Daily Mirror to put the newspaper’s logo on the bottom of his boots. The implication being that he would inevitably tumble and display the logo. Francis literally sold his soles.

    “It was about making his bank account a bit bigger. He had to do it,” Roe remembered, adding that it was the brainchild of Francis’ manager Frank Maloney (now Kellie).

    “I’d never had this level of scrutiny,” Francis said. “It was new to me. Sponsorship and newspapers? I wasn’t interested. I didn’t meet Piers Morgan but he said some disparaging things about me.”

    What if Francis bumped into the Daily Mirror’s former editor today?

    Mike Tyson wrote to notorious gangster Reggie Kray while in prison and  claims visiting his family nearly saw him kicked out of England before  fighting Julius Francis | talkSPORT

    “I’d have a bit of banter with him!”

    It was a light-hearted subplot to Tyson’s arrival, which was a more macabre affair. Heathrow was jam-packed, protestors and supporters awaiting, when he touched down in the same Concorde as George Michael. The boxer was flanked by police offers, the pop star was mercifully untroubled.

    “It was a big issue, but not for me. If you go to prison you have paid your debt to society,” Francis said about the controversy of Tyson’s arrival to the UK. Francis had also been inside but was rehabilitated after finding boxing.

    “He was made out to be a wild animal, a wild dog. That wasn’t fair.”

    An increasingly hostile Tyson had become obsessed with the Kray Twins, the east end mobsters. He claimed at the time: “Reggie wrote me a letter in prison when I was at the lowest point of my life. I was very grateful for that.”

    Plans to visit Reggie Kray in hospital were shelved but Tyson, whose entourage dominated the luxurious Grosvenor Hotel during his stay, ventured unannounced and unprepared to Brixton in south London causing mass hysteria.

    “If I was not fighting him, I would have been one of the people in Brixton because I was a fan,” Francis said.

    Francis was marched into battle by a brass band before Tyson’s trademark entrance, so simple and untamed it is still haunting to this day.

    Tyson landed a left hook inside five seconds. Francis was floored twice in the opening round, the Daily Mirror logo getting its first unveiling. With the second round less than a minute old, Francis had crashed to the canvas a further three times. It was over.

    “I fought Tyson as a man and came out as a man,” Francis said.

    “Some of the fights Tyson had later were against bigger names and better fighters than me, but he blew past them like a puff of wind. Tyson didn’t even hit Bruce Seldon but he fell over and was scared like a frightened chicken. At least I fought the guy, even if he beat the crap out of me, at least I had a row with him.

    “It’s nice to have respect, and I genuinely know that Tyson respects me.

    “To have my name linked alongside Tyson’s is amazing. I have stories to tell when my grandkids ask me one day.”

    Mike Tyson out of control 20 years ago: The Kray Twins, Piers Morgan, Jack  Straw – his mad British chapter | Boxing News | Sky Sports

    The rage of Tyson in Britain would not end in Manchester. Six months later at Hampden Park in Glasgow he bulldozed through the referee as he knocked out Lou Savarese.

    Francis reflected 20 years on: “Tyson’s story is inspirational. We both came up as kids with similar paths on different sides of the world. We went through the same struggles. We found boxing.

    “He was still a child at 20 years old [when he became world heavyweight champion]. Lots of things that happened to him would never have been allowed to happen today. Wider society had a part to play in his downfall.”

    Today Tyson has mellowed as an author, a film star and a one-man stage show. Francis works in security and with kids from the same background as himself. They forever remain a small part of each other’s stories.

  • Beyond Boxing: Exploring Mike Tyson’s Unbelievable Top 10 Ridiculously Expensive Buys

    Beyond Boxing: Exploring Mike Tyson’s Unbelievable Top 10 Ridiculously Expensive Buys

    Mike Tyson now celebrates his birthday (30 June) in presumably more low-key style than the majority of his 56 years on the planet, which have involved everything from big KOs to big cats.

    When his life was going off the rails at various points, not many people thought Tyson would even reach his mid-50s. But now that he’s here and in alarmingly good shape, it’s the perfect time to count down Tyson’s top 10 most outrageously pricey purchases:

     

     

    The spending sprees
    10. Solid gold bathtub: bought for $2.2million for his then wife, Robin Givens, in 1988. They divorced a year later but Tyson got to keep the 24-karat tub, selling it in 2013.

    9. Pigeons: but they’re everywhere – how can a man spend $400,000 a month on pigeons? Well, racing pigeons are special to Iron Mike and at one point he was housing up to 1,000 of them.

    8. Jewellery: Tyson spent a reported £2million in just one trip to high-end jewellers Graffs before his first fight in the UK. Should’ve gone H Samuel across the road.

    7. His 30th birthday party: in 1996, Tyson spent a whopping $410,000 on a birthday bash. It involved 13 chefs, 19 ‘lady friends’, Donald Trump, Jay-Z and a man hand-rolling cigars. Hope the cake was good.

     

     

    6. Bentley Azures: Tyson’s car bill is crazy – he’s spent more than $4.5million on Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Jaguars and more. But the Bentley Azure convertibles stand out as Tyson bought four in one day at $319,000 each.

    5. Evander Holyfield’s ear: OK, more of an impulse purchase, but when Iron Mike bit a chunk of cartilage out of Holyfield’s right ear in 1997 it cost him $3million and a 15-month ban from boxing. Ouch.

    4. Weed: Tyson once admitted smoking up to $40,000 each month, but this is one area of investment that may actually pay off. His 420-acre farm in California (where cannabis is legal) is said to make over $500,000 per month.

    3. Connecticut mansion: the sprawling 52-room, 17-acre property – one of the largest homes in the USA – was bought by Tyson for $2.8 million in 1996. Has everything from a nightclub to a full-size basketball court, and was later bought by 50 Cent after Tyson’s 2003 bankruptcy.

     

    She Was Just F*** Up": Mike Tyson Recalls Horrific Incident that Cost Him  $250k - EssentiallySports

     

    2. Face tattoo: only around $300, via tattoo artist Victor Perez, but definitely one of Tyson’s zanier purchases. Mike originally wanted a load of hearts on his face (“I was going to be the man of hearts, baby”), but Perez wisely talked him into the Maori tribal design.

    1. Three Bengal tigers: of course it is. Tyson bought the white tigers (named Kenya, Storm and Boris) for $70,000 each, spent an estimated $200,000 a year on their food and hired an animal trainer on $125,000 to look after them.