Mike Tyson is not dubbed as ‘Iron Mike’ for nothing.
Known as one of the greatest names in boxing, Mike Tyson couldn’t settle getting common pets such as cats, dogs, and birds. He had to go for something bigger and stronger, which he can somehow, spar with.
Ripped Somebody’s Arm Off
Earlier this year, “Iron Mike” recalled having a tiger as a pet when he was younger. The now-53-year-old Tyson detailed how he forged a special relationship with a white Bengal tiger named “Kenya,” whom he loved walking around his property and even playing fight with.
During an interview with GQ Sports, Tyson said: “I did have a pet tiger, her name was Kenya and she was around 550 pounds.
“I had a great affection for her; I kept her, I slept with her, I kept her in my room.”
The former world heavyweight champion was filmed sparring with the large cat inside his mansion, he revealed in an interview with Roseanne Barr for an episode of the Inside Edition in 1996.
There is absolutely no fear in the world for ‘Iron Mike.’
Continuing, Tyson said:
“She stayed with me I had her for about 16 years. But she got too old and I had to get rid of her when her eyes and her head got bad.”
“Oh, and she ripped somebody’s arm off.”
It wouldn’t really be a surprise coming from ‘Iron Mike.’ In fact, the heavyweight legend once wanted to fight a silverback Gorilla inside the zoo cage for bullying other primates.
He even offered the zookeeper $10,000 to open the enclosure and let him test his skills on the huge ape.
Man Vs Gorilla
Recalling the absurd tale, Tyson said: “I paid a worker at New York’s zoo to re-open it just for me and Robin.”
“When we got to the gorilla cage there was one big silverback gorilla there just bullying all the other gorillas.”
It would have been a historic match for a heavyweight champion to go against a gorilla! Gladly, the zookeeper turned down his request to mess with wildlife.
Continuing, the Iron Mike stated: “They were so powerful but their eyes were like an innocent infant. I offered the attendant $10,000 to open the cage and let smash that silverback’s snotbox! He declined.”
(Featured Image Source: Youtube/Inside Edition)