When it comes to boxing, and life in general, there aren’t many bigger than Mike Tyson.
‘Iron Mike’ is one of the best heavyweight boxers of all time and someone who helped us all to fall in love with boxing.
Tyson’s spiteful finishes in the ring made him a force to be reckoned with and even though he recently lost to Jake Paul, his legacy remains intact.
It’s not just boxing stars who have taken inspiration from Mike Tyson over the years, with one WWE legend claiming he wants a legacy like the 58-year-old star.
- Who is Mike Tyson? Get to know the former heavyweight king who owned three tigers and is fighting Jake Paul
Jeff Hardy wants to be like Mike Tyson
Jeff Hardy is one of the biggest stars in the WWE and like Tyson, has had a whirlwind career.
From WWE championship success to out-of-ring incidents, he’s never had a quiet time in the industry.
The 47-year-old is now looking to slow down his career as he thinks about the next stage of his life and when asked about how he wanted to remembered, he cited ‘Iron Mike’s’ recent comments on legacy.
He told Wrestle Sport: “I just want to be remembered. I kind of dig what Mike Tyson said recently about how, ‘Once I’m gone, I’m gone. I’ve done what I’ve done, and I am who I am. But it doesn’t matter—when I’m gone, I’m gone.’ I kind of feel like that. “
“But if anything, I’d like to be remembered as one of the most original, authentic human beings to ever step foot in a pro wrestling ring. I feel like I’ve accomplished that. I’m so grateful for guys like The Ultimate Warrior and Sting. If they hadn’t been painting their faces back in the day, I might not be painting my face now. Even at this point in my life, I still get so much joy out of it.”
Mike Tyson doesn’t believe in legacy
No matter who he is speaking to, Tyson will always be himself.
A lot is made about the way the heavyweight legend wants to be remembered and quite simply, he doesn’t care how people view his life.
Back in November, on the night of his defeat against Paul, the 58-year-old claimed that legacy means nothing to him.
His answer, given to a 13-year-old reporter, was morbid to say the least
“I don’t believe in legacy,” Tyson told Vibe. “It’s just another word for ego.
“I’m just passing through. I’m gonna die, and it’s gonna be over. Who cares about legacy after that?
“We’re nothing. We’re just dead. We’re just dust. We’re absolutely nothing. Our legacy is nothing.”