Heavyweight visits young British boxers
That’s right, “Chatter Box” readers, take a gander at this nice and friendly Mike Tyson. That sure sounds like an oxymoron, doesn’t it? But yes, here he is with innocent young children (gasp!). And not only is he bringing huge grins to their faces but the infamous ex-boxer looks like he’s behaving himself at this surprise meet and greet held in England. No ear biting, no arrests, no lawsuits, no problemo. Just plenty of mile-wide smiles from these lucky kiddos at the gym.
In these exclusive pics for our U.S. readers, my boxing associates from across the pond graciously shared these photos with me from “Iron Mike’s” recent visit to the U.K. From Merseyside, England, Mersey Gloves covers the Liverpool boxing scene and has flourished with their own magazine, website and T-shirts too. They were also privy to this gathering with the 44-year-old power puncher.
The former undisputed heavyweight champ of the world (50-6, 44 KOs) was visiting Great Britain for a special event in Peterborough. While in town, he also took time to stop by some youth boxing clubs along the way. Again, there were no reports of any ear biting, just the beleaguered boxer doing a good deed while giving these British kids the shock of their young lives.
Would YOU ever expect Mike Tyson to walk through the doors of your gym?
Well just look at the expression on these boys’ faces. It says it all, doesn’t it?
Yep, here is the knockout king at the Croxteth ABC meeting some new mates including pro boxer and English featherweight titlist Derry Mathews, Tony Red Steele, Callum Hennigan, Paul Edwards, Jacob Kinsella, Mark Crewe and others.
The tattooed Tyson, whose last fight was over five years ago, has become a notorious boxing 
icon plagued by many tragedies and transgressions. Trouble sure seems to find him–and vice versa. But a couple of weeks ago, he really lit up the faces of these young amateur sluggers.
You all know by now that I always try to present a more positive side of the sport we all love, and this is about as warm and fuzzy as I’ve ever seen Tyson of late. So here are the photos of the heavyweight, dressed casually and wearing a beaded necklace, meeting the delighted members of the boxing school. In one photo, the champ even puts his arm around one of the tykes. While the children all look delighted, “Iron Mike” himself appears a little surprised by their sheer joy and excitement.
Then again, it’s not everyday that you come face to face with Mike Tyson.
For this group of Merseyside athletes, it was a special day indeed.
Photos by Stephen Speed/ Courtesy of Mersey Gloves