Tony Bellew has hailed Mike Tyson as the most “recognisable” sportsman in the world.
During his heyday in the 1980’s, Tyson captivated global audiences with his explosive knockouts and bullish style both in and outside the ring.
‘Iron Mike’ remains the youngest man to win the heavyweight championship at just 20-years-old and by 21-years-old the Brooklyn man became undisputed heavyweight champion, making six defences and looking almost invincible until a seismic loss to Buster Douglas, which is regarded as one of the biggest upsets of all-time.
Former cruiserweight world champion, Bellew lauded the two-time heavyweight champion, as sport’s most famous face in response to a post by DAZN presenter, Ade Oladipo which read: “Seeing videos of [NBA star] Steph Curry walking around London and nobody recognising him is mind blowing to me.
“Aside from Messi and Ronaldo there aren’t that many GOLBAL sports stars.
“Lebron ?
“Who are the truly global stars that most would recognise.”
The Liverpool man replied: “Mike Tyson I believe is the most recognisable face in the world in all of sports.”
The 58-year-old has never been out of the headlines for too long either, taking a four-year sabbatical from the sport after being incarcerated following a rape conviction, before infamously being disqualified from his rematch with Evander Holyfield in 1997 for biting his compatriot.
Tyson’s career finished in 2005, retiring on his stool against Kevin McBride, but he is set to make a controversial comeback on November 15 to face YouTuber-turned-boxer, Jake Paul in Texas in a professionally-sanctioned contest.
The pair were supposed to fight earlier this month, but the bout was postponed after ‘Iron Mike’ suffered an ulcer flare-up, with Paul, 27, going on to stop Mike Perry in six rounds in Florida on Saturday.
“Mike Tyson, you’re next, big boy,” Paul told DAZN post-fight.
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“Sign the contract, November 15 on Netflix.
“I’m excited for that one, I’m going to go home and prepare for that.”
