Mike Tyson has been accustomed to smashing heads with his huge right fist over the years, but there can’t be too many occasions when he has had his hand caressed by another boxer. That’s precisely what happened when ‘Iron Mike’ bumped into former British boxer Amir Khan in Saudi Arabia at the weekend.
Tyson was in Riyadh to support ex-UFC world champion Francis Ngannou, who he had been helping to train ahead of the MMA star’s professional boxing debut in a high-profile crossover contest against WBC world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury on Saturday night.
Tyson’s tips clearly helped as Ngannou was able to put Fury on the canvas in the third round before going the distance in the 10-round contest only to lose on a dubious points decision that would have otherwise embarrassed Fury.
The glitzy event attracted plenty of celebrities and ex-boxers alike, including former light-welterweight world champion Khan. When the Bolton-born star was presented with the opportunity to meet Tyson, he couldn’t resist having a feel of the legendary fighter’s right fist.
Khan recorded a video of the moment that he later shared on social media. Touching Tyson’s right hand, he said: “The hands of the main man Iron Mike. Mike, how many people have you knocked out with these hands?”
Tyson responded: “I don’t know. 48 and about 200 in the street.” Khan then asked Tyson to open up his hand.
Khan’s slightly bizarre video was shared on X (formerly Twitter) by talkSPORT online boxing editor Michael Benson, who wrote: “Amir Khan in awe of Mike Tyson’s hands…”
The post created some reaction from users on X. @AccordingToBoxing wrote: My guy Khan got mad footage this weekend..,” while @Vimyonk asked: “Why was he caressing man’s hand like that for,” with two crying with laughter emojis.
But @Kotosiafaze replied: “Who wouldn’t, that a god right there, the greatest,” and @AzharTheGreat wrote: “Watching @MikeTyson’s hands in action is sheer poetry. An awe-inspiring display of speed, precision, and power. Truly a master of the sweet science. #BoxingLegend”
Now 57, Tyson is widely considered to be one of the greatest boxers of all time. He won the first 19 professional fights of his career by knockout, with 12 of them coming in the first round.
He holds the record for the youngest boxer ever to win a heavyweight title at the age of 20 years, four months and 22 days. He was undisputed world champion from 1987 until 1990 when he was knocked out by Buster Douglas in one of the biggest upsets in the history of the sport.