When former boxing heavyweight champion Mike Tyson returns to TV, it will be for a scripted comedy series about his life as a marijuana grower at his own Tyson Ranch. For the upcoming project, titled ROLLING WITH THE PUNCHES, the TKO king will touch gloves with his business partner Rob Hickman for a hilarious look behind the scenes of his El Segundo, California-based enterprise. According to sources close to the production, Tyson will star in the series as a Larry David-esque character for a show that will leave you with a CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM-like high.
“It’s simple. I’m playing a retired boxer who is growing marijuana,” Tyson recently told Page Six. “It’s basically me acting like me, so people can get a look at what my life could be like in different scenarios,” the one-punch-wonder added.
In regard to casting, Chuck Zito has been cast in the role of the marijuana mogul's real-life bodyguard, while Russell Peters is expected to play the Champ's "useless best friend." For the moment, Tyson and Hickman are busy shopping a sizzle reel of the show, which has reportedly caught the attention of several networks. If all goes well, the show will debut sometime in 2019.
In the past, Tyson has appeared in several films as a force to be reckoned with, such as IP MAN 3 and KICKBOXER: RETALIATION. Personally, I think the concept for this series has some major potential. Outside of the ring, Tyson can ofttimes come off as a charismatic sort, who isn't afraid to poke fun at his own celebrity. So long as the writing is on point, we could have an oddly entertaining endeavor on the way.
Be sure to save a spliff for when ROLLING WITH THE PUNCHES makes its debut.