Pigeons had a significant impact on Tyson’s life growing up, as he found solace in caring for birds. He discovered that they helped him through various challenges and had a calming effect on him.
At the end of October, tens of millions around the world watched ‘Iron Mike’ join Francis Ngannou in his corner for the bout against Tyson Fury in Riyadh.
Less than two weeks later, teamhypetalk’s profile on Instagram reported that the former world champion arrived in Piątnica to purchase 100 pigeons from a trader living there.
Tyson is a big fan of pigeons
He has enjoyed a bond with the creatures since he was a child
Piatnica Poduchowna is located in the north-east of the country and has a population of just 1,800.
But Tyson made the 5,748 mile journey from his home in Las Vegas to acquire not just one but 100 pigeons.
Brilliant pictures showed Tyson posing with a local pigeon trader while showing off his trademark clenched fist.
The boxing icon is sure to be delighted with his purchase, having forged a deep bond with pigeons throughout his life.
Reflecting on his relationship with the birds, Tyson previously said: “I always loved pigeons ever since I was a child.
“They teach us the importance of being compassionate.
“They were my escape. I was fat and ugly. Kids teased me all the time, the only joy I had was pigeons.”
On one occasion, Tyson even dumped a partner after she tried making him eat a pigeon.
He explained: “I tried, I tried (to eat one). I was dating this young lady and she said ‘I don’t know why you’re flying those damn birds, you should be eating them’.
“She happened to grab one and cooked one and proceeded to eat it, And I just couldn’t do it.
“It just wasn’t the right thing to do. That’s why she’s not my woman anymore.”
Tyson has also revealed he KO’d a binman who dumped the body of his favourite pigeon in a dumpster.
Tyson said: “One morning i woke up and found my favourite pigeon had died.
“I was devastated, I left the crate and I returned to see the sanitation man put the crate in a crusher.
“I rushed him and caught him flush on the temple with a titanic right hand, he was out cold.”
