“This may be disastrous”: Old Footage of Mike Tyson Trying His Best to Sound Like Eddie Murphy is a Treat For the Boxing Fans

Mike Tyson once impersonated Eddie Murphy while paying tribute to Sammy Davis Jr.

"This may be disastrous": Old Footage of Mike Tyson Trying His Best to Sound Like Eddie Murphy is a Treat For the Boxing Fans

SUMMARY

  • Mike Tyson is an excellent boxer but he never limited himself to that as he had a few acting projects as well
  • The boxer once got the opportunity to to pay homage to renowned American singer and actor Sammy Davis Jr. with Eddie Murphy
  • His impersonation of his co-host had many of his fans appreciating his skills, and it showed everyone just how talented he is
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Mike Tyson’s name is enough to strike fear and awe in the hearts of millions. That is only natural when one considers the boxing legend’s reputation. No one would want to be found on the wrong side of an argument with him. But that is not to suggest that the 57-year-old doesn’t have more to his skill set than his boxing prowess. Tyson is also no fluke when it comes to acting. Or impersonating anyone for that matter. 

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Mike Tyson has had several swings at acting

Mike Tyson
Mike Tyson has also had an extensive acting career

Mike Tyson is not one to limit himself to the pond. His life is a living testament to his philosophy to try different waters. Iron Mike has had multiple acting stints most notably his performance in The Hangover. 

That isn’t the first time he had a go at portraying someone he isn’t before the world. Years back, he had the opportunity to pay homage to renowned American singer and actor Sammy Davis Jr with Eddie Murphy. And Tyson took his chance to get creative. 

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Also Read: “Back to the ‘80s”: Eddie Murphy Returns in Beverly Hills Cop 4 After 30 Years Alongside Dark Knight Star

Mike Tyson paid homage to “the undefeated champion”

Eddie Murphy and Sammy Davis Jr.
Mike Tyson and Eddie Murphy paid homage to the legendary Sammy Davis Jr.

Sharing the stage with Eddie Murphy, Mike Tyson knew that he had the perfect platform to show he’s more than just muscles. Trying to get cheeky, the Kid Dynamite took his chance to impersonate the 62-year-old talk show host. Tyson’s first attempt did not bring him success, prompting the Saturday Night Live host to cheekily egg him on to do better. 

The Ip Man star knew what he had got himself into. He said, 

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“I’m gonna attempt to read this. This may be disastrous.” 

And voila! Trying to make the best Murphy impression he could, he said, 

“Stay tuned for more of the Sammy Davis Jr. Tribute honoring the one heavyweight I would never dare to step into the ring with. Sammy, you’re truly the undefeated champion.”

His impersonation was a real delight for all boxing fans.

Also Read: Story Behind The Iconic Photo of Mike Tyson in His Prime and Robert Downey Jr. When He Was Still a Struggling Actor in Hollywood

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Eddie Murphy got literally dragged off the stage

Mike Tyson and Eddie Murphy
Eddie Murphy and Mike Tyson embroiled in an impersonation-off

Eddie Murphy was not one to let that slide. Trying to spice things up, he said, 

“The producer of the show was hoping you would have a little more feeling of more Mike. You know a little more Mike Tyson. You know more Mike Tysonism like.”

With this, he went on to make the funniest Mike Tyson impression possible. The Tyson star was so embarrassed that he couldn’t help but interrupt the Dr. Dollittle star, literally dragging him.

Also Read: Director Almost Sent Robert Downey Jr. to Hospital as He Encouraged Mike Tyson to Smack the Sh*t Out of the Iron Man Star

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Written by Smriti Sneh

Articles Published: 210

Smriti Sneh is a Content Writer at Fandom Wire specializing in celebrities and everything pop-culture. Being a literature research scholar, she is cashing in on her writing skills by working in the entertainment news sector - studying literary theories by day, and navigating celebrity net worth through the night. Although you can find her writing poems at any and all hours.