- Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema says Mike Tyson has helped inspire him to want to to launch a career in combat sports.
- “I get a thrill out of combat sports, and I love to train,” Benzema kickboxing trainer Fouad Ezbiri. “Once my football career is over, why don’t I train with you for six months?”
- Speaking on Tyson, the Frenchman said: “I have always admired his presence, his determination and attitude.”
- Tyson, 54, is set to the return to the ring on September 12, 15 years after his last fight, to face Roy Jones Jr. in an eight round exhibition match in California.
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Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema says Mike Tyson has helped inspire him to want to to launch a career in combat sports after his retirement from soccer.
Benzema, 32, scored 21 goals for Madrid last season to help guide it to its first La Liga title since 2017.
But with his current contract at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu expiring in 2022, the Frenchman is already looking to life beyond the soccer pitch.
“I get a thrill out of combat sports, and I love to train,” Benzema told friend and former professional kickboxer turned trainer Fouad Ezbiri on YouTube.
"Once my football career is over, why don't I train with you for six months? Then, if you think I am ready for a fight, there's no problem as far as I'm concerned. I swear to God, I'm up for it."
http://instagr.am/p/CAa0CneJLkf
Benzema then went on to reveal how Tyson has been a source of inspiration for his proposed fight career.
Tyson, 54, is set to the return to the ring on September 12, 15 years after his last fight, to face Roy Jones Jr. in an eight round exhibition match in California.
"It's his strength," Benzema said. "I have always admired his presence, his determination and attitude. Besides, he has come from nowhere."
Unfortunately for Benzema, however, a successful run in combat sports might not be viable due to an injury to his hand, which he suffered in January 2019.
The former Lyon star fractured to his finger in a match against Real Betis and refused to undergo surgery, according to Goal.
When Real Madrid played its last game of the 2020 season against Leganes on July 19, Benzema was still wearing a protective splint around the injury.
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