Netflix is taking a deep look into the life of legendary boxer Mike Tyson with a new three-part hourlong docuseries.
The announcement Tuesday comes on the heels of the record-breaking Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight on Netflix, which became the most-streamed global sporting event ever, according to the streamer.
Known as the youngest heavyweight champion in history, at the age of 20 in 1986, the as-yet untitled docuseries “will explore the man behind the gloves,” according to Netflix, “from his meteoric rise as the “Baddest Man on the Planet” to his personal struggles – including a period of incarceration and widely publicized struggles (i.e. finances, substance abuse, in-ring controversies) – and eventual redemption.” Directed and executive produced by Floyd Russ (Untold: Malice at the Palace American Manhunt: The Boston Marathon Bombing, Zion), the project hails from EverWonder Studio, DLP Media Group and Five All In The Fifth.
“Having an opportunity to share my story through the reflective lens of my growth and maturity in a multi-part documentary on Netflix will be a challenging journey, yet a very welcoming one,” said Tyson. “Most people are too scared to look at their lives objectively, wanting to paint themselves as the hero of their own story. But if we are truly objective, we know we can never be the hero in our own story. We have to be able to face the man in the mirror, taking the good with the bad to give a full account of our contributions in this life. Netflix is the perfect platform to tell my story because of their global reach.”
Ian Orefice of EverWonder Studio also executive produces along with Jim Gray of Scratchy Productions, Michael Hughes and Greg C. Lake of DLP Media Group and Douglas Banker of Five All In The Fifth.
The docuseries will join Netflix’s expanding lineup of sports programming, including Enigma: Aaron Rodgers, Simone Biles Rising, Quarterback, Receiver, Starting 5, Sprint, Formula 1: Drive To Survive, Full Swing, and more, as well as live programming including the upcoming NFL Christmas Gameday, and WWE.
Tyson is repped by Paradigm and Grubman Shire Meiselas & Sacks.
