Mike Tyson has promised to return to boxing with the “spirit of Chairman Mao” in a video showing off his impressive hand speed.
The 53-year-old made shockwaves with a video showing off his training for an unlikely comeback and he has added more fuel to the fire in a by announcing his return to the Chinese social media platform Weibo.
While nothing has been made official yet, longtime rival Evander Holyfield is also flirting with a return to boxing as is ex-heavyweight slugger Shannon Briggs.
In the video, a topless Tyson says: “Hey I’m Mike Tyson, I’m on Weibo now, I’ll let you know there’s a possibility I might come back, but if I do I’m going to fight with the spirit of Mao.”
He then flexes his right arm, where he has a tattoo of the former Chinese dictator, before throwing a series of his trademark power punches with impressive speed.
His pugnacious display is cut short when a fluffy white dog jumps up at him next to a swimming pool and he bursts into a smile before asking the person recording how the clip looked.
Weibo users were quick to comment on the boxer’s clip, which has received over 1.4 million views, with Xibeiqu Keke writing: “‘I’ll fight with the spirit of Mao.’ Mike Tyson has a portrait of Chairman Mao on his right shoulder.”
Mike Tyson should take note of Baishui Yangtou-young’s writing: “He may have gained a few years, but he looks a lot kinder than before.”
Liu Zhuang Beijing added: “Forever boxing king. Idol.”
Tyson now has 1.4 million followers on the platform, which he was previously a member of in 2013 before his account was deleted.
His profile picture on the platform features a cartoon version of his face with an ear in his mouth, a reference to him biting off a chunk of Holyfield’s ear in their infamous 1997 rematch.
UFC President Dana White is concerned that Tyson might be making a mistake by donning his gloves once again.
“I love Mike Tyson, I’m begging him not to go fight,” White told Sportsnet. “I said ‘you look awesome, you’re still explosive, you’re obviously still powerful, you’re one of the all-time greats.
“But Mike, you’re 53, please don’t do it, please.’ Bottom line is I don’t want Mike to fight. If it comes down to where he is about to do something crazy, I might have to jump in and figure out something for him not to do it.”