Mike Tyson to fight a Great White shark

‘The Baddest Man on the Planet’ takes on the predator as part of Discovery Channel’s Shark Week

Mike Tyson is set to fight a Great White shark. Genuinely.

The extraordinary match-up pits ‘The Baddest Man on the Planet’ against one of the most ferocious predators from the ocean.

The former heavyweight champion of the world has accepted the challenge as part of Discovery Channel’s ‘Tyson vs Jaws: Rumble on the Reef’.

And the 54-year-old will take part in the under-water stunt in the name of “scientific research”. The spectacle will air on Sunday 16 August in the UK.

While there will be some familiarity to Tyson’s famous nights in the ring, as legendary announcer Michael Buffer will take part in the event.

A Discovery statement said: “With famed ring announcer Michael Buffer calling the shots, these two heavyweights will square off underwater, where Mike Tyson will try to score a TKO over the massive shark … all in the name of research.”

Tyson is thought to be motivated by conquering a fear of making a comeback, having been linked in recent months with a money-spinning return against the WBC world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.

“I equate this with overcoming my fear of getting back into the ring at 54 years old,” Tyson explained.

“I learned from this experience doing Shark Week that whatever intimidates me, I am still able to step up to the challenge of overcoming anything that would prevent me from accomplishing my life’s mission of reaching my highest potential in life and bringing me closer to God.”