Ring Observer Boxing by Scoop Malinowski
By Scoop Malinowski
As one might expect Mike Tyson had the utmost respect for the legendary soccer star from Argentina Diego Armando Maradona Franco.
Like Tyson, Maradona was an undersized powerhouse athlete from an underprivileged background who despite his physical shortcomings somehow became the dynamic premier performer in his sport. Tyson won the heavyweight championship of the world at age 20. Maradona, five-foot-five, made his professional debut at 16, played in his first World Cup in 1982 and powered Argentina to the 1986 World Cup victory in Mexico at age 25.
Both Tyson and Maradona, in their primes and even after, were enormously popular figures with charisma, headline making controversial natures and prodigious appetites for enjoying the high life.
When they met at a sports function, Tyson was completely honored to be presented a Maradona Argentina jersey.
Years later, Cristiano Ronaldo send a boxing glove for Mike to sign and send back, which he did. Tyson friend Mario Costa, says “Mike really respects Ronaldo because of his extreme work ethic and dedication to fitness and being the best. He likes how Ronaldo takes care of his body like a machine.”
Not long after, Lionel Messi mailed Tyson a Messi jersey, presumably a friendly trade of mementos by two legends. In an unexpected move, Mike opted to sign the Messi shirt and sent it back with a surprise dedication: To Lionel Messi, Maradona is the greatest! (signed) Mike Tyson…
True story, as relayed by Mario Costa.
Maradona, one of two joint winners of the FIFA Player of the Century award, passed away today at the age of 60.
Check out the Mike Tyson Biofile interview!
