Recent sightings of a slimmed-down Mike Tyson added fuel to reports of a rumored rematch between Tyson and Evander Holyfield.
Tyson, who hasn’t fought in five years and was known for his paunchy gut as of late, is clearly getting back in shape, losing 50 pounds, according to those who have spotted him taking regular long walks near his Anthem home in Henderson, Nevada.
When Tyson, now 43, lost to Kevin McBride in 2005, it was his third defeat in four bouts over three years.
His arch nemesis, Evander Holyfield, 47, has been cleared for a tentative April 17 fight in Las Vegas against Frans Botha.
Promoter Don King, likely wanting to keep his trump card, is trying to squash news that a Tyson-Holyfield fight reunion is not true.
But while biding his time for this to occur, we’ve learned that the eccentric one will soon star in an Animal Planet series that will feature — are you sitting down? — pigeon racing. 
The show, titled “Taking on Tyson”, will showcase amateur pigeon racer Tyson against “serious competitors.”
We’ve all known that Tyson has bats aplenty in his belfry, but many probably are not aware that Tyson has apparently also raised pigeons all his life — squab anyone? — but is just now getting into the glamorous world of racing them. (Hopefully, he won’t toss them around in their cages.)
The show is on track to be taped this spring in New York City and will air early next year.
“Tyson’s passion for his pigeons takes my breath away,” says Animal Planet Media President Marjorie Kaplan.
If you’d like to bone up on your knowledge of this parlor sport, Las Vegas Backstage Access suggests visiting the American Racing Pigeon Union Web site, where you will find all you need to know- and probably lots you wish you never read.
Vegas Backstage Access (VBA) 