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Mike Tyson to bring one-man show to Broadway

Jun 19, 2012, 15:02 GMT

Mike Tyson

Mike Tyson will perform a one-man show on Broadway.

The former world heavyweight champion boxer's show in New York's famous theatre district will be directed by Spike Lee and will draw inspiration from his turbulent life which includes imprisonment and drug addiction and Mike is confident it will be a success because he is 'a great actor'.

He told a press conference in New York: 'I think fighting is for saps now. I played Iron Mike Tyson. I'm a great actor.

'I'm not up here doing sob stories, 'Oh woe is me.' '

The director is also excited about the project, which will run for six nights at the Longacre Theatre from 31 July to 6 August and says Tyson will wow the audience with his tales.

He said: 'It's a great story and he tells it masterfully. He's lifted himself off the canvas.'

According to Mike's website, the show is 'a rare, personal look' into his life.

The website states: 'One of the world's most powerful and controversial figures comes to Broadway for six nights only! 'MIKE TYSON: UNDISPUTED TRUTH' is a rare, personal look inside the life and mind of the one of the most feared men ever to wear the heavyweight crown. Directed by Academy Award nominee Spike Lee, this riveting one man show goes beyond the headlines, behind the scenes and between the lines to deliver a must-see theatrical knockout.'

Following the announcement, Neil Patrick Harris - who hosted this year's Tony Awards, which recognises achievement in live Broadway theatre, tweeted: 'Mike Tyson is heading to Broadway in a one man show directed by Spike Lee?!? Sweet gods of comedy, now I have to host the Tonys again! (sic)'