Canelo Alvarez received a threat from an unlikely source this week, with heavyweight legend Mike Tyson issuing a surprising warning to the star this week.
According to BBO Sports, Tyson was less than impressed with Canelo’s comments towards Argentine football icon Lionel Messi after Argentina’s victory over Mexico in a recent World Cup fixture.
A photo of Messi with a Mexico jersey at his feet enraged Canelo, prompting him to take to social media and launch an aggressive tirade at the five time Balon D’or winner.
Tyson has been a long time admirer of Messi, tweeting “Go Argentina – love watching Messi play” ahead of their 2014 World Cup final loss to Germany.
And it’s clear those allegiances still hold firm to this day, so much so that the baddest man on the planet would be willing to lace up the gloves again should Canelo follow through on his threats to the 35-year-old.
According to Marca via The Sun, ‘Iron Mike’ said:
“Someone called and said Canelo threatened Messi.”
“If he dares to touch Messi, I will have to return to the ring.”
It’s not clear whether he had a quick change of heart due to Tyson’s ominous words, but Canelo later apologised to Messi and Argentina for his outburst, claiming his passion for his country led him to get slightly carried away.
“These last few days I got carried away by the passion and love I feel for my country and made comments that were out of place, for which I want to apologise to Messi and the people of Argentina.”
“Every day we learn something new, and this time it was my turn.
“I wish both teams much success in their matches today, and here we will continue supporting Mexico until the end.”