Mike Tyson almost had a fight with a silverback gorilla, with the boxing icon offering a zookeeper a huge amount of money to make it happen

Mike Tyson was once involved in a bitter rivalry with a silverback gorilla, with legend saying a zookeeper offered a staggering amount of money to let him take on the powerful animal.

Although known for his remarkable aggression, the combination puncher may have had a hard time dealing with his dream opponent.

Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images for Netflix © 2024

Mike Tyson offered a zookeeper $10,000 to let him fight a silverback gorilla

Mike Tyson is known for his love of animals, while the American is famous for buying interesting pets ranging from tigers to pigeons.

However, it doesn't seem like he's too fond of gorillas, as a trip to the zoo in the late 80s almost ended in disaster.

After strolling through the exhibits, 'Iron Mike' looked at the monstrous primate and decided he felt like testing his skills against his new enemy.

Blessed with remarkable combinations, the boxer convinced himself he could win the fight and offered a zookeeper $10,000 to make the fight a reality.

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In an interview with The Sun, he explained: “I paid a New York Zoo employee to reopen it especially for me and Robin. [Givens] (his ex-wife).

“When we got to the gorilla cage, there was a big silverback gorilla bullying all the other gorillas.

“They were so powerful, but their eyes looked like those of an innocent child.

“I offered the clerk $10,000 to open the cage and let me break that silverback's snot box. He refused.”

Mike Tyson gives Evander Holyfield his ear back as a Christmas present after he bites it off

Although Tyson has become gentle as he has gotten older, he was a truly destructive individual in his prime.

In his huge rematch with Evander Holyfield, the Brooklyn fighter shocked the world by biting a chunk out of his rival's ear.

While most would hold a grudge, 'The Real Deal' has now forgiven Tyson for his bizarre behavior.

The two have now become friends, with Iron Mike stunning Holyfield by giving him his ear back as a Christmas present.

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