LAS VEGAS, November 12, 2011 —A fight weekend in Vegas means a few things will happen: table minimums are high, rooms are hard to come by and you will meet celebrities.
Walking through the MGM Grand the sound of what sounds like a carnival barker calls out for your chance to meet former heavy weight champion Mike Tyson.
This is an event, and the poster bills Tyson as The Champion, "the baddest man on the planet "and star of movies Hangover and Hangover 2.
The reality is if you can talk to Mike Tyson IN VEGAS, you just gotta do it.
Waiting in line for about 10 minutes, we are prompted to purchase memorabilia merchandise for Tyson to sign. I pass and elect to just have my picture taken.
As my turn approaches and I get closer to Tyson I can see him interacting with everyone. He is laughing and joking. He's handing out hugs and eating Twizzlers. The goal immediately became not only getting a picture, but also a Twizzler licorice from Iron Mike.
With my computer stuffed pack back (I am covering the Pacquiao vs. Marquez fight later in the night) it is suddenly my turn.
As I walk up to Tyson he is attempting to perform the River Dance and he is laughing saying, "I can't do no River Dance” in his oh so recognizable voice. Then he turns, grabs my hand and embraces me. We take the picture.
“Thanks champ" I said. “Nice to meet you brother.” The Champ responds and its over.
As I turn to walk away he notices my backpack and I hear that voice again "What you packing?" he asks. I didn’t understand what he said. "What am I packing?" I asked.
"Have you ever backpacked across Prague or something?" Mr. Tyson asked.
“No, I have never done that,” I said.
“So what you keeping that backpack?” he continued.
“Snacks. You know like Twizzlers,” I said with a wink.
To which he replied, “I would probably keep “brownies” in there or something!”
Everyone roars with laughter as I turn away Twizzlerless yet fulfilled.
Jason Black is a regular sports contributor on America's Morning News and America's Radio News.
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