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Mike Tyson Has Shared Some Important Words Of Wisdom With Anthony Joshua

Mike Tyson Has Shared Some Important Words Of Wisdom With Anthony Joshua

"The heavyweight championship will drive people crazy, you know that right?"

Joe Baiamonte

Joe Baiamonte

If there is one man who knows just how extremely the fortunes of a world heavyweight champion can fluctuate, it's Mike Tyson. So when the former Baddest Man on The Planet offers you advice, you listen.

And the former champ has been sharing some pearls of wisdom with Anthony Joshua, after the IBF, IBO and WBA champion's historic victory over Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley, in April.

Antony Joshua
Antony Joshua

Joshua celebrates in front of 90,000 fans at Wembley stadium after stopping Wladimir Klitschko in the 11th round of their monumental title fight, in April. Image: PA

Tyson became the youngest ever heavyweight champion, aged 20 years and four months, in 1986, when he stopped Trevor Berbick in their second round title fight in Las Vegas.

Five years later, Tyson would be arrested for the rape of 18-year-old Desiree Washington and in 1992 was sentenced to six years in prison, serving just less than three years of his sentence.

Despite once again becoming heavyweight champion, in 1996, Tyson's subsequent double loss to Evander Holyfield, including the infamous ear biting incident during their rematch, sparked the beginning of the end for his career, culminating in the formerly Baddest Man on The Planet losing three of his last four fights, including embarrassing defeats to Danny Williams and Kevin McBride.

Tyson Williams
Tyson Williams

Tyson is knocked down by Danny Williams, during one of the lowest points in his great career. Image: PA

While Tyson is clearly in a much better place now than he was at the end of his in-ring career, thanks to a recent renaissance via appearances in various films and TV shows, he has warned 27-year-old Joshua of the dangers associated with being heavyweight champion, in an interview with BBC Sport.

"The heavyweight championship will drive people crazy, you know that right?

"It's like a crown of thorns. Everyone wants to use you for something.


Tyson
Tyson

Tyson has described the heavyweight championship as a 'crown of thorns' in a recent interview with the BBC. Image: PA

"It's like being the President of the United States. Joshua can't get the big head. He has to focus on fighting.

"When you start focusing on money, girls or whatever it is, it's going downhill. No religion, nothing, you can do those things when the fight is over.

"Let's see if he can handle that stuff. It's his time. I could be wrong, I'm not the gospel of boxing but he impressed me with Klitschko."


Anthony Joshua knocks out Dillian Whyte
Anthony Joshua knocks out Dillian Whyte

Will Joshua heed Tyson's advice? Only time will tell. Image: PA

Joshua is currently undefeated in his professional career, winning 19 straight bouts by knockout. It is believed that, following his victory over Klitschko and a potential rematch with the Ukrainian former champ, that the Olympic gold medallist will make his way to America for his next fights, with a unification bout against current WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder being strongly rumoured.

(H/T Metro)

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Mike Tyson, Anthony Joshua, Boxing