Mike Tyson is gearing up for a return to boxing when he faces Jake Paul tonight (November 15), and Manchester United fans should be backing the legendary American boxer. The former Undisputed World Heavyweight Champion will step into the ring against the YouTuber-turned-boxer.
The 58-year-old once hilariously left fellow boxer and Manchester City fan Ricky Hatton with egg on his face. The duo gave an interview and Tyson claimed to have never heard of the Cityzens:
"I've been in Manchester for a long period of time, I've never heard of Manchester City."
Mike Tyson was once pictured wearing Manchester United's iconic SHARP zip jersey from the 1998-99 campaign. That was the year the Red Devils became the first club in English football history to win the continental treble (Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup).
Mike Tyson x Manchester United 🥊⚽️ pic.twitter.com/3Q8FySjyPJ
— BeFootball (@_BeFootball) November 12, 2021
Mike Tyson isn't the only famous name to believe Manchester United were the only Manchester club
Manchester City's controversial Abu Dhabi takeover in 2008 led to many big-money signings including Robinho from Real Madrid. The Brazilian winger, viewed as one of the most exciting talents in Europe at the time, joined the Cityzens in a £32.5 million deal.
Robinho admitted later that he hadn't realized there was another club in Manchester when making the move. He said (via GiveMeSport):
"Yes I thought I was joining Manchester United.I was misled by all involved. I wasn't aware there was another Manchester club."
It's fair to say that City has trumped United in recent years and claimed its place among Europe's elite. Despite a nosedive in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, there is still little argument that the Red Devils are the biggest club in England.
Famous celebrity Manchester United fans
Despite his hilarious admission over his knowledge of Manchester's football clubs, Mike Tyson isn't a Manchester United fan. As strange as it sounds, the iconic boxer is a Peterborough fan when it comes to English football. The New Yorker has also shown his love for Serie A giants Juventus in recent years.
The Red Devils do have a long list of celebrity fans who have visited Old Trafford to watch the team in action. American singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo was a guest recently to watch United draw 1-1 against Chelsea.
Is that Olivia Rodrigo taking a selfie with Denis Irwin at Old Trafford? 🤩😅 pic.twitter.com/rnY0OPa01q
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 3, 2024
Other famous fans include Irish TV presenter Eamonn Holmes, Spanish singer Enrique Iglesias, American actress Megan Fox and English singer Olly Murs. The club has a huge reach globally which makes it one of the most supported teams alongside Real Madrid.