Via El Planteo
Not many people know, but famed boxer Mike Tyson and soccer legend Diego Maradona shared a friendship that many considered unlikely, but which was true and genuine.
PALABRAS DE MIKE TYSON A MARADONA
— futbolecuador.com (@futbolecuador) November 25, 2020
"La mano de Dios, nos ha dejado Maradona. En el 86 ambos ganamos nuestros campeonatos. Era uno de mis héroes y un amigo. Lo respetaba mucho. Lo extrañaremos mucho".#Maradona #QEPD #EternoDiego pic.twitter.com/Xl1hDQAZzj
Their paths crossed on several occasions. In 2005, during Maradona's TV show "La Noche del 10," Tyson received an Argentine national team jersey signed by Maradona himself, who was excited to have the "baddest man on the planet" on his show.
Tyson valued this jersey so much that he wore it during his appearance in a Brazilian court after being accused of assault. The controversy, of course, was immediate, given the soccer rivalry between Argentina and Brazil.
Mike Tyson sporting an Argentina shirt signed by legend Diego Maradona. pic.twitter.com/HaGQo8Khho
— Football Tweet (@Football__Tweet) January 20, 2022
However, given both of their reputations for extravagant lifestyles, many wonder: did they ever share a joint?
Mike Tyson clarified this point during an exclusive interview at the recent Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in Hollywood, Florida. "I never smoked with him; I never drank with him. But we were soul brothers. We just loved each other from the first time we ever met," Tyson confessed.
EXCLUSIVA: MIKE TYSON HABLA DE DIEGO MARADONA ¿Compartieron un porro? pic.twitter.com/lldzqC5whr
— El Planteo (@elplanteo) May 8, 2024
The relationship between Tyson and Maradona, marked by sobriety and mutual respect, offers a little-known perspective on these two sports legends. Despite their lives filled with successes and scandals, their friendship reflected a bond that went beyond their careers.
Following Maradona's death in 2020, Tyson expressed his grief and respect for the footballer, saying: "The Hand of God, Maradona has left us. In 86 we both won our championships. They use to compare the two of us. He was one of my hero's and a friend. I respected him so much. He will be greatly missed."
The friendship between Tyson and Maradona is a testament to how even the most notorious figures in sports can forge deep and meaningful relationships.
Photos: Thesun.co, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons // Doha Stadium Plus, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons // Edited on Canva by El Planteo