Mike Tyson reveals why he always wore black shorts during his legendary boxing career

Mike Tyson has explained why he wore black shorts throughout his legendary boxing career.

Tyson enjoyed a storied career that spanned over 20 years and remains the youngest world heavyweight champion, aged just 20 years.

In November 1986, he stopped Trevor Berbick in the second round to claim the WBC world heavyweight title.

Tyson would go onto fight the likes of Frank Bruno, Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis.

And during those monster clashes, 'Iron' Mike had a simple yet iconic fight kit.

For most of his career, and when he was at the peak of his powers, he had an all-black look as he wore black shorts and black shoes. His iconic photos from the 80s and 90s had Tyson in his slick, all-black design.

But why did he always wear black shorts? Well, in an episode of Hotboxin' with Mike Tyson, where Katt Williams joined him on his podcast, the former world champion revealed the reason behind his attire.

At the start of the podcast, Williams said: "At the point of the my life, when I heard about Mike Tyson, he became like this superhero, just because whatever time we were on as far as being in the street, he was already on that... the understand of power black and not having frills."

To which the 57-year-old replied: "The way I always wear black, because black is ominous... so ominous."

Mike Tyson in black shorts for his exhibition against Roy Jones Jr. Image: Getty

In a nod to his past, Tyson wore black trunks for his exhibition bout against fellow great Roy Jones Jr back in November 2020.

And he could sport the all-black look when he faces Jake Paul in what will be his first appearance since his showdown against Jones Jr.

The exhibition against 'The Problem Child' is set for July 20 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and will be aired on Netflix.

Topics: Mike Tyson, Boxing

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Darren Till. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

@NasJabbar