Mike Tyson, the boxing legend known as "Iron Mike," has shared his thoughts on Irish fighters and his desire to fight gorillas in recent interviews. The former heavyweight champion's comments have raised eyebrows and sparked discussions among fight fans.
When asked about his favorite Irish boxers, Tyson didn't hesitate to name a few legends from the past. In an interview with iFL TV, he said:
"You know how many great Irish boxers there are. Johnny Kilbane is one of my favourites. Let's see, I like Mike McTigue, Jack Dempsey is my favorite Irish boxer."
Tyson's choices reflect a deep appreciation for boxing history. Johnny Kilbane, the son of immigrants from Achill, was a featherweight champion. Mike McTigue held the light heavyweight title during the Irish war. Jack Dempsey, with Irish roots, reigned as heavyweight champion from 1919 to 1926 and became a boxing icon of the 1920s.
Notably absent from Tyson's list was Conor McGregor, the current Irish MMA figurehead who ventured into boxing for a high-profile exhibition match against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2017. This omission might be due to McGregor's primary focus on MMA rather than traditional boxing.
In a separate interview with The Ring, Tyson shared his thoughts on a rather unusual topic: fighting gorillas. When asked if 100 men could defeat a gorilla in a fight, Tyson confidently stated:
"The gorilla is in serious trouble. He's in serious trouble."
Tyson clarified that he was referring to 100 versions of himself in his prime, showcasing his signature bravado and self-confidence.
The former champ's fascination with gorillas goes back further. He once offered a zookeeper $10,000 for the chance to fight a gorilla. Tyson recounted the experience:
"When we got to the gorilla cage, there was a huge silverback gorilla intimidating the others. They were very powerful, but their eyes were like those of an innocent baby."
The zookeeper, unsurprisingly, declined Tyson's offer.
These recent interviews remind us of Tyson's intrepid nature and his unique perspective on fighting, whether in the ring or in hypothetical scenarios involving primates. While his comments might seem outlandish to some, they're par for the course for the man who once dominated the heavyweight division with his ferocious style and unpredictable personality.
