Boxer Mike Tyson arrives at the 71st annual Golden Globe Awards in this Jan. 12, 2014 file photo. (Photo : Reuters)
Iconic athlete Mike Tyson is scheduled to visit China to promote boxing, local media said.
The 49-year-old world-renowned boxer is set to come to the country on May 23, Monday. One of the highlights of his visit will be Tyson's attendance to the 2016 IBF World Championship Bout scheduled a day after his arrival. The much-awaited Bout will be held at the Great Wall.
According to China Daily, Tyson has been chosen as the "most favorite boxing star" on IBF's official Weibo account. As a treat to fans, the boxing champ will be posting a video greeting for his Chinese audience.
Tyson is likewise set to give a speech at the 33rd Annual IBF/USBA Convention. After that, he is expected to attend the Bout on May 25, Wednesday.
China's Xiong Chaozhong, also known as the "X-Man," will be facing Colombia's Jose A. Jimenez before the mini flyweight fight finale, which will pave the way for the new IBF world title-holder, China Daily wrote.
Meanwhile, Cai Zongju stands a chance to be the first-ever Chinese IBF female world champion. She is set to battle against Thai boxer Samson Tor Buamas for the highly coveted mini flyweight title.
Unbeaten champion Amnat Ruenroeng from Thailand will also defend his flyweight world belt against his challenger from the Philippines, John Riel Casimero, according to China Daily.
Tyson is a former heavyweight boxing champion known for his menacing styles and controversial behavior. He is also the youngest title-holder of the IBF, WBA and WBC. With 50 wins out of 58 fights under his belt, Tyson is considered to be one of the world's greatest boxers.
Aside from boxing, the American icon is also into movies. He has appeared in several films including "The Hangover" featuring Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis and Ed Helms.
