The Story Of 'Black Brother', Mike Tyson's Former Opponent Who Becomes A Painter In Prison

Mike Tyson's former opponent, Clifford Etienne. (Photo: YouTube Screenshot @TG4)

JAKARTA Clifford Etienne is known as the boxer Mike Tyson lost to a last win in the legend's professional career.

Iron Mike was at its lowest point in 2003, when he boarded the ring in Memphis to fight Clifford. The Black Rhino, Clifford's nickname, may have been Tyson's oddest opponent in a career journey like a glider.

At that time, Tyson scored a knockout win (KO) in just 49 seconds. It was Tyson's last win in the ring before retiring after losing to Danny Williams (2004) and Kevin McBride (2005) in the two games after.

Mike Tyson fell into bankruptcy after that before rising thanks to his cannabis field, appearances in Hollywood, and a duel against Roy Jones Jr in 2020.

Clifford also experienced the lowest point after his name soared for fighting Tyson. The 53-year-old figure slumped because he had to serve a 105-year prison sentence in Louisiana.

He entered the prodeo hotel after being involved in armed robbery, kidnapping, and attempted murder of a police officer. Consequently he was sentenced in 2006 to such a severe sentence.

However, the Black Rhino has now found a new spirit of life in prison. The former heavyweight boxer, who retired with a record 29 wins, two draws, and four defeats, began to pursue his love for painting on the sidelines of his free time behind bars.

This was revealed by Lynn O'Shea who handles Etienne's business affairs. He told TMZ how the art had saved Clifford's life behind bars.

"He's amazing. He took the painting seriously in prison and after he got the status of a guardian, he was really able to become a guards' artist and sleep in his painting room," O'Shea said as quoted by The Sun.

"This keeps him away from all the dramas in pop genes. The city of New Orleans bought a painting that was then hung at the district police station, if you can trust him," he added.

However, life is not always a beautiful picture for the artist in prison. In 2015, he was transferred to a new prison after he was attacked and almost killed in his painting room.

"Everything slowed down after the attack. He usually creates all the canvases and his own belongings to paint, but now he's locked up. I hope some friends from his past as boxers can help him," said O'Shea.