Jamie Foxx won an Oscar for his portrayal of singing legend Ray Charles. Now, he is set to take on the life story of another iconic American – controversial boxing great Mike Tyson. The television limited series about “Iron Mike” is in development, Boxer announced, to direct Antoine Fuqua (“Training Day”) and Martin Scorsese on the production team. “I have been wanting to tell my story for a long time,” Tyson said in a statement sent to AFP on Monday, confirming information previously reported by the Hollywood Reporter.
“I look forward to collaborating with Martin, Antoine, Jamie and the entire creative team to bring a series to the audience that not only captures my professional and personal journey but also inspires and entertains.”
A spokesman for Fuka confirmed that she was involved with the project. According to The Hollywood Reporter, no network or streaming service has acquired the series so far.
Tyson called his recent return to the ring – he struggled for a draw at the age of 54 with Roy Jones Jr. at an exhibition in November 2020 – that it was the right time for his story.
The former world heavyweight champion is one of boxing’s most successful – and most controversial – figures. Considered one of the best veterans of all time, he retired in 2005 with a loss to Kevin McBride and went 50–6 with 44 knockouts.
But he is also known for his unethical behavior – including cutting off a piece of Eavander Holyfield’s ear before losing his infamous 1997 bout – and his brush with the law, including a conviction for rape and a cocaine addiction.
Tyson played himself in “The Hangover” (2009) and then took the one-man show to Broadway.
Promoted
In late February, the streaming platform Hulu announced that it was making a limited series about the boxer called “Iron Mike”.
Tyson said he was not blessed in the project, and was not going to earn anything from the “tone-deaf cultural abuse” of his life story. He urged the audience to boycott Hulu.
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