Mike Tyson has admitted he thought social media star Hasbulla ‘was a baby’ after their first introduction went viral.
Hasbulla, 22, as a rare type of dwarfism caused by a growth hormone deficiency and has been heavily involved in the world of combat sports, regularly attending events across the globe.
In 2023, he appeared on an episode of Tyson’s HotBoxin’ podcast, throwing punches at the former heavyweight champion. Tyson playfully blocked the shots before picking up the Dagestani star and cradling him in his arms like an infant.
The clip has been viewed millions of times on social media with Tyson, who returns to the ring to fight Jake Paul on 15 November, now admitting he had no idea Hasbulla was an adult male.
Tyson sat down with former middleweight champion Andre Ward in an interview released on Sunday with the 58-year-old explaining the incident.
‘I thought it was a baby! And then he started punching me…that’s how I am with children.
‘I was hugging on this guy, and he’s like 26 years old. I knew nothing at all!’
Tyson retired from boxing in 2005 but returns to the ring this month to take on Paul, a fighter 31 years younger than him.
‘He’s supposed to be the young guy, I’m supposed to be the old man, he’s going to run all…night? I think he should try it,’ Tyson said.
‘He’s a younger man, he should be able to handle punches from an old withering man like me.
‘Listen, you can’t compare me with other people my age because other people my age haven’t been training as long, consistently as me.
‘I’m just a different species of human being, I think because I’m very active in what I do. I don’t sit around and do nothing.
‘It’s going to be a wonderful evening, the city of Dallas is going to be entertained.’
MORE : ‘Old as f***!’ – KSI predicts Mike Tyson will get ‘destroyed’ in Jake Paul fight
MORE : Lennox Lewis reveals prediction for Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul fight
Share your story or advertise with us: Whatsapp: +2347068606071 Email: info@newspotng.com
