HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Mike Tyson is stepping into the reality TV ring with a new show for the birds.
The former heavyweight champion will star in an Animal Planet series that takes viewers inside the world of pigeon racing, the network announced Monday.
The show, currently titled Taking on Tyson, will feature the boxer going toe-to-toe against several individuals in hopes of being crowned a champ all over again.
The reality series will begin shooting this spring in New York City and debut in early 2011.
Tyson, 43, has a deep passion for birds and has raised pigeons his entire life. In fact, his first-ever fight as a child was in defense of his birds.
"I'm honored to be a part of this monumental show on Animal Planet," said Tyson. "I feel a great pride acting as an official representative for all the pigeon fancier's out there. I want people to see why we love these birds. It feels good returning to the rooftops of the city where it all started for me — New York."
"Tyson's passion for his pigeons takes my breath away," added Marjorie Kaplan, president and general manager of Animal Planet Media. "For years, he has been inspired by these birds that he feels have the 'biggest heart' in the animal kingdom. Taking on Tyson peels back new layers of the remarkable persona and deep humanity of Mike Tyson while also showing us a whole world we never knew existed right on the rooftops of New York City."
Tyson will have the support of a team of pigeon experts, including his trainer Vinnie Torre, caretakers the Roman Brothers and promoter/manager Mario Costa.
To rear, train and race pigeons — or "homers" — requires dedication, discipline, patience and tenderness. For many pigeon racers, these avian athletes are the kings of the bird world. Their intelligence, spirit, titanic bonds of loyalty and astounding homing ability sets them apart from other birds.
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