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LAS VEGAS, NV – AUGUST 08: Former heavyweight boxer Mike Tyson speaks during the third annual Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame induction gala at Caesars Palace on August 8, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images)
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LAS VEGAS, NV – AUGUST 08: Former heavyweight boxer Mike Tyson speaks during the third annual Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame induction gala at Caesars Palace on August 8, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images)
Mike Tyson, the former world heavyweight champion, became a boxing promoter in 2013 when he joined hands with Garry Jonas to form the ‘Iron Mike Promotions’.
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As per reports, Tyson didn’t want to enter the boxing business initially. Being one of the biggest faces of the sport, ‘Iron Mike’ saw the dark sides of the business and how nasty boxing politics can be, and he always wanted to keep himself away from the aspect. However, when Garry Jonas offered him a chance to take the step for the betterment, Tyson eventually agreed.
Tyson accepted the offer, and the duo formed a small company, sheltering around 14 boxers at that time. Iron Mike promotions had a diverse roster. It had the two-time Iraq War veteran Sammy Vasquez Jr in its yard along with Ukrainian amateur world champion Iven Khytrov, super bantamweight champion JC Payano and Erickson Lubin.
The company staged its debut event on August 21, 2013, at the Turning Stone Resort Casino. It was a successful one, and Mike Tyson grandly began his career as a promoter. However, things didn’t work out so well after that. Due to reasons publicly unknown, the company had to shut its doors.
According to Boxing Scene, all the signed athletes were shifted to Al Haymon’s PBC, and Tyson had to wrap up his promotional career.
Mike Tyson – Iron Mike to the Legends Only League
Tyson took on another initiative with the ‘Legends Only League’ at the age of 54. This is a venture which vows to organize exhibition games for retired athletes.
Tyson has already staged its debut event with a fight between him and Roy Jones Jr. Now, more events seem to be on the line.
Legends Only League is not a typical boxing promotion; it claims to host several other sporting events including soccer, tennis, basketball and more.
Tyson has partnered with several other entities to keep the show running. Aged 54, he doesn’t have to box like an active contender so ‘Iron’ Mike is deploying his time entertaining the audience.
Regardless of whether he is a successful promoter, Mike Tyson truly understands the sport. What are your view’s on his promoting stint?
Read More | WATCH: Mike Tyson in His Most Intimidating Form
