Biography Series Was Produced, Mike Tyson: Hope I Can Collaborate With Martin Scorsese, Antoine Fuqua And Jamie Foxx

Mike Tyson (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - A limited television series about the legendary boxer Mike Tyson is in development. Actor Jamie Foxx will play Iron Mike.

Foxx won an Oscar for his role as singer Ray Charles and is now returning to take on a role that brings to life the true story of another icon, the controversial great boxer Mike Tyson.

Meanwhile, Antoine Fuqua (Training Day) will sit in the director chair and Martin Scorsese in the production team.

"I've been wanting to tell my story for a long time," said Tyson as quoted by Antara, Tuesday, March 23.

"Hopefully we can collaborate with Martin, Antoine, Jamie, and the rest of the creative team to present a series that not only captures my professional and personal journey but also inspires and entertains."

A spokesman for Fuqua confirmed that he was attached to the project. According to the Hollywood Reporter, so far the series has not been acquired by any network or streaming service.

Tyson said his recent return to the ring during a draw with Roy Jones Jr. in November 2020 at the age of 54, makes this an opportune time to tell his story.

The former world heavyweight champion is one of boxing's most successful and most controversial figures. Considered one of the greatest heavyweights of all time, he set a 50-6 win-loss record with 44 knockouts, retiring in 2005 after losing to Kevin McBride.

However, he is also known for his grumpy behavior, for example biting Evander Holyfield's ear before losing their famous fight in 1997, and his violations of the law, including charges of rape and cocaine addiction.

Tyson bounced back, making a cameo in The Hangover (2009) and then doing a one-man show on Broadway.

In late February, streaming platform Hulu announced that they were making a limited series about the boxer called Iron Mike.

Tyson said the project did not get his blessing. He urged viewers to boycott Hulu.