LAS VEGAS (January 13, 2014) — Hall of Famer Mike Tyson had a brilliant amateur career in the 1980’s. Now a professional boxing promoter for Iron Mike Productions (IMP), the youngest world heavyweight champion of all-time still has a burning passion for amateur boxing.
Tyson thought it would be fun to workout with kids from the Police Athletic League in Las Vegas. The Las Vegas Metro Police Department was thrilled the “Iron” Mike would take time from his busy schedule to meet their PAL youngsters and arranged for two visits this pastSaturday.
First stop was Richard Steele Boxing Club in North Las Vegas. Kids and officers lined up and went through slipping-and-weaving techniques, followed by turns on the heavy bag, all under Mike’s watchful eyes.
At Barry’s Boxing Center, another group of eager kids and officers lined up to try the same defensive techniques the late, great trainer Cus D’Amato had instilled in Tyson when he was a teenager.
Tyson was quite impressed by everyone’s hard work. Judging from the bright smile on his face, the former champ appeared to be the happiest person in both gyms.
“I would love to work with kids like this in a gym I hope to have one day,” Mike said.
Tyson presented each attending youngster with a Footlocker gift certificate and training DVD.