Mike Tyson: Former heavyweight champion makes surprise appearance in Belfast

Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson stunned onlookers when he made a shock appearance in north Belfast on Wednesday afternoon.

Tyson was in town to visit close friend Kevin McKinney and family when he was spotted by fans on the Cliftonville Road.

McKinney has a world title from racing Birmingham roller pigeons and was happy to welcome the former boxing world champion to the city.

News of the 59-year-old’s presence quickly spread, with a large crowd gathering outside the property to catch a glimpse of the New Yorker.

Tyson is a former undisputed heavyweight champion, becoming the youngest boxer to win the sport’s biggest prize when knocking out Trevor Berbick in November 1986, aged 20.

By 1987 he held the WBA, WBC and IBF titles simultaneously.

He retired from the sport in 2005, having won 50 of his 56 professional fights, but returned last year to take on YouTuber Jake Paul in Texas.

His interest in pigeons began as a child – and in a 2016 interview with Graham Bensinger, he said: “My first love is flying pigeons.

“I’m an animal freak. Maybe I don’t know the best routine and how to fix them when they are sick. I like breeding them more than flying them. It’s more than a hobby, it’s more cultural for people as it’s what we do.”