New York (AFP)

A TV miniseries inspired by the life of American boxer Mike Tyson is in the works, with comedian Jamie Foxx in the title role and Martin Scorsese in production, "Iron Mike" said in a statement sent to AFP on Monday, confirming a information from The Hollywood Reporter.

A press attaché for the American director Antoine Fuqua ("Training Day", "Equalizer") indicated that he would direct the miniseries.

No deal has yet been reached with a broadcaster, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

"I've been looking for someone to tell my story for a long time," said Mike Tyson, who believes his recent return to the ring and "fan excitement" makes it "the perfect moment."

"I look forward to working with Martin (Scorsese), Antoine (Fuqua), Jamie (Foxx) and the entire creative team to bring the audience a series that captures my professional and personal journey, but also inspires and entertains," said added the former boxer.

On November 28, "Iron Mike" returned to the ring, at age 54, against Roy Jones Jr (51), with a draw, as part of a new league of former glories of the sport. created by Mike Tyson, the "Legends Only League".

Born in Brooklyn, Mike Tyson is one of the most iconic figures in boxing history.

Youngest heavyweight world champion, premier category, at 20 years and 4 months, "Kid Dynamite" will have fascinated by his punching power and his constant commitment.

On the sporting front, he chained the moments of glory, with in particular a series of 37 fights without defeat at the beginning of his career, and the skids, with an improbable defeat in 1991 and a tragicomic match against Evander Holyfield in 1996.

He also alternated glory and decline on a personal level, convicted of rape, imprisoned, addicted to cocaine, before a rebirth, a little over ten years ago.

At the end of February, the Hulu (Disney) platform announced the production of another miniseries on Mike Tyson, called "Iron Mike".

The former boxer had said that this project was carried out without his agreement and that he would not receive any rights from its exploitation.

He denounced Hulu's "greed" and the "appropriation" of its history, calling for a boycott of the platform.

© 2021 AFP