REAL MADRID striker Karim Benzema has revealed his sporting idol is heavyweight boxer Mike Tyson.
The 33-year-old has come from humble beginnings to lead the line for the Spanish giants for more than a decade.
Benzema has revealed heavyweight boxer Tyson is one of his role modelsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
And Benzema sees similarities in his and Tyson’s road to success.
Speaking to AS, he said: “I come from a neighbourhood where things were difficult.
“When I saw older boys well dressed and with beautiful cars, what I wanted was to be like them.
“I have no idols, but I do have role models. In football, I would say that Ronaldo, the Brazilian, was a role model for me.
“I also admire Mike Tyson, because both he and I came from the bottom and grew.
“Nobody has given us anything.”
Tyson, who is the youngest world heavyweight champion of all-time, made his comeback after 15 years out the ring back in November.
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‘Iron Mike’ fought to an eight-round draw with fellow boxing legend Roy Jones Jr.
He is now targeting a trilogy bout against former rival Evander Holyfield.
Meanwhile, Benzema has scored 17 goals in 28 games for Real Madrid so far this season.
The Frenchman, who joined Real in 2009, has now played 541 times for Los Blancos, scoring 266 goals.
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Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
