On May 2nd, boxing aficionados all over the world will be regaled with a blue-chip sporting event unlike any other. The two most prodigious boxing talents of this generation will slug it out in what would go down as the highly-anticipated "fight of the century".
But from a not so distant past, and unbeknownst to the younger demographic of sports fans, one fighter has taken the boxing world by storm during his time, and commanded as much media attention as Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and Manny Pacquiao.
They call him "Iron" Mike Tyson, and he was the "baddest" of them all.
In 1986, he became the youngest heavyweight world champion at a budding age of 20. He was well-known for dismantling his opponents left and right during the first round. It wasn't enough that he simply emerge victorious, his loyal fans would be disgruntled if the fight goes the distance. He headlined several heavyweight matches on his way to an impressive career record of 50 wins, 44 of which came by way of knockouts, while only yielding six defeats.
He raked in an enormous amount of $300 million during his career as per CelebrityNetWorth. The man was on top of the world until things took a turn for the worse.
Late in the 80's and on to the early 90's, he went through a failed marriage; had a rift with his longtime trainer; and was convicted for rape charges and served 3 years in jail time. He eventually filed for bankruptcy in 2003, as told by CelebrityNetWorth, which values him at $1 million in net worth as of today.
In 1999, Tyson sold his luxury estate in Southington, Ohio for $1.3 million to make up for his mounting financial woes. The property is now in possession of The Living Word Sanctuary church for $750k according to TMZ Sports.
Pastor Nick Dejacimo of the congregation told TMZ that the money comes from their member's tithing of nine years. He announced that they will be through with its renovations by the end of this year. "The skylights, arches, and windows in the pool area, it literally looks like a church", he said.
The 33,000 square foot home that sits on a 58-acre lot has five beds and 7.5 baths according to the DailyMail. Other home features include a grand staircase, a wide wooden main door, huge entertainment area, couple of garages, a washroom and a full kitchen, basketball court, tiger cages, and several living rooms.
The mansion also comes with its own massive indoor swimming pool. It also has a Jacuzzi area and steam room that looks very opulent as it's made out of marble and gilded in gold. The gate of the property still bears the name of the boxer.
Before the church stepped into the picture, the Ohio mansion's once glorious past and downfall to its derelict status is reminiscent of its former owner's life and career. But with its purported transformation into a church, would it be fitting that Mike Tyson return the favor and follow suit with his own spiritual conversion?
With the church extending its invitation for him to attend their first ever gathering in the place? Share your thoughts!