Former world heavyweight champ Tyson is pigeon fancier
EAST Heckington racing pigeon breeder Darren Peters had a most unexpected visit from former world heavyweight boxing champion 'Iron' Mike Tyson.
Apparently the controversial fighter has always held a passion for pigeons, raising them as a child and eventually owning hundreds of birds.
Tyson was on a speaking tour of the UK, when he asked to meet someone who really knows their pigeons.
Staggered Darren said: "I got a telephone call from his people and they arrived last Tuesday and spent a few hours here."
Darren's heart had been racing when he knew the legend was on his way to his house where he breeds and keeps up to 600 birds including national champions and record breakers - one legendary bird has won the top title twice.
He said: "For Mike to come and hold that pigeon was
amazing, but he was thanking me for letting him come here and show him around.
"He wanted to stay longer. He seems to hold more interest in pigeons than boxing now and likes to chill out with them."
Tyson is working on an American TV show about his pigeon training skills. Joining Tyson was Boston boxer Callum Johnson who is set to compete in the Commonwealth Games.
Darren has had visits from other pigeon fancying sports stars in the past including former Everton striker Duncan
Ferguson and England legend Trevor Francis.
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Weather for Sleaford
Saturday 11 February 2012
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