Fans flock to see Mike hike

Former boxer Mike Tyson reacts as he speaks to the media, before the weigh-in of International Boxing Federation (IBF) World Championship Bout at the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China, on the outskirts of Beijing, China, May 24, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

"I think it would be a huge mistake to allow professional boxers to fight in the Olympics," he said.

"First of all, they would be taking the place of talented young kids who train for years for that special moment of glory, and that's just not fair. Pros are in the spotlight all the time; the Olympics should be reserved for pure amateurs who are fighting to make a name for themselves.

"Another thing is the risk of injury if an experienced pro goes against an amateur. Also, something that nobody really talks about: some of the amateurs would win. How does that help boxing?"

Tyson was equally adamant regarding head protection.

"I never used headgear in sparring through my whole career, but that was just a personal preference," he said. "Getting rid of it in the amateurs doesn't make sense, in my opinion. It's too risky."

Tyson hung up his gloves in 2005 with a record of 50-6, including 44 spectacular knockouts. He was a first-ballot inductee into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2011, and for millions of Chinese he remains the most recognizable face in the sport.

"Mike is the reason why I love boxing so much, and it was the biggest thrill of my life to get to talk to him," said Hu Die (Butterfly), a 24-year-old featherweight from Zhuzhou, Hunan province, who has a pro record of 2-0 and dreams of becoming one of the female stars of IBF China.

"For me and my father, who is also my coach, Mike is the ideal of boxing -strong, tough and always fighting his best for the people. To see up close how friendly and nice he is to everybody is something I will never forget."