Mike Tyson is considered as one of the world's greatest heavy-weight boxers of all time, and in 1986, the athlete became the youngest heavyweight champion in history at the age 20.

Although usually associated with dazzling firework displays, thrilling theme-park rides, and of course family-friendly entertainment, Riyadh Season 2023 is also set to be a hub for exciting and enticing sporting events. The season will feature various sporting events that are set to cater to a range of interests and passions, from wrestling to tennis, football and more.

'Iron Mike' as he was known in his fighting days has officially opened the doors of the Mike Tyson Boxing Academy, a boxing gym that aims to identify and develop new and upcoming regional talent.

Former amateur boxer and award-winning boxing trainer, Joe Gallagher will head up the Riyadh location. The flagship Riyadh location was officially opened in the hours after the Battle of the Baddest clash between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou, with more locations are expected to open across Asia, Europe and The United States in the coming year.

Although Gallagher will be heavily involved in the day-to-day running of the boxing gym, Tyson himself will play an active role in the gym and development of local athletes.

Chairman of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority (GEA), Turki Alalshikh noted that Joe Gallagher will play a pivotal role in the continued training and further development of teenage Saudi boxing star, Mohammad Al Aki.

The brand-new, state of the art boxing academy has been the location of a number of training sessions with Francis Ngannou. Under the tutelage of Mike Tyson, the former-MMA champion took to the boxing ring for the first time on Saturday October 28, in the inaugural Battle of the Baddest with Tyson Fury.

Although the cross-over athlete didn't take home the championship belt for the Battle of the Baddest, it is evident from his performance during the ten-round bout that Ngannou's training under Tyson was top of the range, and resulted in Ngannou being recognised around the world as a force to be reckoned with.

Take a first look inside the world-class facility below:

Mike Tyson Boxing Academy, Boulevard City

mike-tyson