‘IRON’ Mike Tyson was given a standing ovation by hundreds of boxing fans who packed out Ellesmere Port Civic Hall for the visit of the legendary heavyweight.
The self-titled ‘Baddest Man on the Planet’ was the star guest at a sportsman’s dinner organised by Vauxhall Motors Amateur Boxing Club on Sunday.
According to organiser and coach Bernie Hart the event was a huge success.
He praised the efforts of the Civic Hall and catering staff, as well as the fans who turned out on the day.
“It was fantastic, it couldn’t have gone better,” said Bernie. “It’s the biggest thing we’ve ever held. There was 400 people there.
“He spoke for 40 minutes about his career and the future. I was really impressed by him. He said he’d had a turbulent life but the best thing that’s happened to him is meeting his wife. He’s a changed man.”
Bernie says a rumour has been circulating that Tyson was set for a return to the ring to fight old adversary Evander Holyfield.
He added: “He’s lost five stone in weight so people thought he was getting back in shape to box, but he doesn’t really know what the future holds.
“He’s getting involved in acting, promoting and the Ultimate Fighting Championship. As for a return to the ring, we’ll just have to wait and see.”
Tyson, who was joined on the day by Sky Sports pundit and former IBF cruiserweight king Glenn McCrory, still remains the youngest man yet to lift the world heavyweight crown.
However, his career has often been surrounded by controversy.
He served three years in prison in the early 90s after being convicted of rape, and in 1997 was disqualified for biting off part of Holyfield’s ear in their infamous title rematch.
