Mike Tyson painfully admits he thought Hasbulla was a baby

Mike Tyson has made a bizarre admission regarding his recent interaction with Hasbulla.

For those unaware, during last year’s episode of the Hotboxin podcast, Mike Tyson shared the spotlight with social media sensation Hasbulla.

Hasbulla has taken the world by storm over the last few years. Credit: Chris Unger / Getty

Hasbulla - if you're unfamiliar with the star - is a 22-year-old Russian influencer who gained international fame on TikTok thanks to his unrivaled confidence around celebrities. Although he hasn't spoken much about his small stature, some reports have speculated that he may have a Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD).

Nevertheless, Hasbulla has gone on to enjoy fame around the world, boasting 8 million followers on Instagram, and has even signed a five-year promotion deal with the UFC to appear in their content.

...but it looks like Mike Tyson didn't get the memo.

During their meeting back in 2022, the boxing legend unexpectedly picked up Hasbulla - who was 20 years old at the time - cradling him in his arms and playfully nibbling on his ear, reminiscent of his infamous bout with Evander Holyfield.

The moment left viewers both amused and bewildered, considering... y'know... Hasbulla is an adult man.

Nevertheless, the Russian took the encounter in stride, later expressing his eagerness to "do it again soon".

Reflecting on the incident in a recent appearance on The Art of Ward podcast, Tyson explained his confusion with an outrageous admission.

"Yeah. I thought it was a baby. No, no. I did not know. That’s how I am with children, I’m hugging on this guy, and he’s like 26 years old. I knew nothing at all," he said.

This candid admission sheds light on Tyson's genuine, albeit mistaken, affection.

Elsewhere on the podcast also touched on Tyson’s athletic endeavors, discussing his upcoming fight with Jake Paul, which had been postponed due to a medical episode Tyson experienced while flying.

Undeterred by age, the 58-year-old boxing icon shared his enthusiasm for the rescheduled match, challenging the stereotypes of aging athletes: “Do you think I feel 58 when I’m fighting these young n**** in the gym, and they’re bashing me them big strong motherf***ers, and I’m bashing them back.

"He’s supposed to be the young guy, I’m supposed to be the old man.”

Tyson suffered a "medical emergency" earlier this year. Credit: Phillip Faraone/Getty

With his characteristic fervor, Tyson assured fans that the bout would be a spectacle, promising a “wonderful evening” and demonstrating that his competitive spirit remains as fiery as ever.

Let's just hope he doesn't start nibbling on Paul's ear too.

Featured image credit: Chris Unger / Getty