.The revelation that former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson will be appearing at a boxing event in Benghazi on Friday has sent up a social media firestorm, sparking the long-awaited comeback of boxing in North Africa.
The anticipated arrival of the legendary Tyson(50-6, 44KOs) ushers in a historic period for Libyan sports. Muammar Gaddafi, the former leader of the oil-rich nation, banned boxing there for many years.
Tyson, 57, who is recognized as a "knockout king" and one of the best boxers of all time. “Hey boxing world, I’m pleased to announce that I’ll be in Benghazi, Libya, attending the big, big boxing event. It’s going to be so cool. It’ll be March the 1st and it’s going to be broadcast all over the world on Fight Nation,” said Tyson in a post on Instagram.
His declaration, which caused a stir in the sports world, was a re-creation of his presence at the highly anticipated heavyweight championship bout between reigning champion Tyson Fury and Cameroonian puncher Francis Ngannou in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In anticipation of the "Benghazi boxing bonanza," which is predicted to draw sizable audiences in the nation's second-most populous city, combat sport streamer Fight Nation has arranged multiple contests.
Libya's remarkable resurgence in the boxing world is a component of a larger recuperation that followed the Arab Spring and the removal of its previous ruler in 2011. In addition to being a success for the nation's sports fans, Tyson's visit to Benghazi strategically highlights Libya's larger story of development and regeneration.
Because of how much publicity Tyson produces, his declaration to his 24.1 million Instagram followers is positive news for both Libya's boxing scene and its rehabilitation. As Libya recovers from political and economic unrest, Tyson's visit is anticipated to highlight both the nation's potential and resiliency as well as the fervor of boxing fans. Positive attention is precisely what Libya needs.
The legendary former boxer, who is now a trainer and investor, has a "comeback spirit" that aligns nicely with the story of the north African nation because of his own ups and downs. A vital component of antiquity and the site of significant battles during World War II, Libya under Gadaffi had developed into a paradigmatic, albeit oppressive, illustration of what African potential and a "can-do" mentality can accomplish.
Much of that was lost even though the Arab Spring signaled the beginning of a new, democratic era for the nation. More recently, a strange storm devastated Derna, killing dozens and severely damaging Libyan confidence. Any goodwill generated by the impending Benghazi event is expected to resonate with both boxing fans and the youth as the nation struggles to rebuild.
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