Mike Tyson Academy opening in Dubai

The former undisputed heavyweight boxing champion of the world chose the UAE as one the locations to open his new franchise of fitness centres called the Mike Tyson Academy.

Mike Tyson, a former undisputed heavyweight boxing champion of the world, is opening a branch of his training academy in Dubai. Chris Pizzello / AP
Powered by automated translation

DUBAI // Boxing legend Mike Tyson is opening a branch of his training academy in the city.

The former undisputed heavyweight boxing champion of the world said Dubai’s market was well suited to his new franchise, the Mike Tyson Academy.

“Dubai has established itself on the world map by hosting many leading sporting events and icons and there is definitely a niche in this market for a fitness centre that is associated with quality and driven by a hardcore, challenging philosophy like mine,” he said.

I'll be in Dubai May 4th for press conference to announce a new international business venture...https://t.co/a8Q5i6fOW9 pic.twitter.com/yBwic2k4uA

The centre will include cardio, strength, functional training and boxing training classes and feature a full-size boxing ring.

The boxing icon will announce his venture in Dubai at the Burj Khalifa on Thursday, May 4.

The 50-year-old first visited the UAE in 2013 when he performed Undisputed Truth, his one-man show, directed by Spike Lee.

Nicknamed Iron Mike, Tyson is considered one of the greatest boxers, having been the youngest fighter to win the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, at the age of 20.

“I am positive this is going to be only the beginning of a long running, successful association between myself and the region,” Tyson said.

newsdesk@thenational.ae