Mike Tyson boxing shorts are a tribute to his late daughter Exodus
Jake Paul and Mike Tyson defend the legitimacy of their fight during a press conference
Two days before their highly publicized fight on Netflix, Mike Mike Tyson and Jake Paul are fighting back on the idea that this isn’t a legitimate fight.
Sports Pulse
ARLINGTON, Texas – The black boxing trunks that Mike Tyson once wore menacingly now have a poignant tribute.
His late daughter’s name, Exodus Sierra Tyson, is stitched in white letters on the bottom front corner, as seen in the photos.
The garment was specially designed for Tyson by BYLT Premium Basics, a clothing company with which the boxer collaborates.
Robert Pursell, a spokesman for BYLT, said the company expects Tyson to wear the trunks for his fight against Jake Paul Friday at AT&T Stadium.
Exodus was 4 when a treadmill cord was wrapped around her neck and strangled her to death, according to police, who in 2009 called the death a “tragic accident.”
She was found by her brother, then 7, in an Arizona home where Tyson lived with the children’s mother.
Tyson, who now has six children, has spoken about his sadness over Exodus’ death in multiple interviews.
“Family is everything,” he said after open training on Tuesday.
His eldest son, Amir, has participated in Netflix’s fight week coverage.
The photos of the new boxing shorts feature the name Exodus Sierra Tyson atop an American flag on the left pant leg. The torso design includes a Tyson corporate logo on the waistband and BYLT on the right thigh.
Pursell said the former world heavyweight champion has worn the specially designed trunks during training.
Andrew Ruf, Tyson’s agent, did not immediately respond to a text message asking whether Tyson will carry the bags during the fight.
“We are very excited to collaborate with Mike on this design to pay tribute to his story, which now spans several decades,” Joe Trachta, BYLT chief product officer, said in a statement to USA TODAY Sports. “We can’t wait to see Iron Mike back in action.”
Born on March 3, 2005, Exodus was three months old when Tyson fought his last professional fight. He retired after failing to advance to the seventh round against Kevin McBride.
When asked during open workouts what he has learned since he started training for the fight, Tyson said, “That I’m stronger than I think I was.”
(This story has been updated with new information.)