Former boxing champion Mike Tyson is developing a television sitcom based on his life as a cannabis grower and entrepreneur, according to a report from Page Six of the New York Post. Production has already begun on “Rolling With the Punches” at the office for Tyson Ranch near Los Angeles in El Segundo, California. The show stars Tyson, his bodyguard Chuck Zito, and Russell Peters as his “useless best friend.”
Tyson explained the premise of the show, which is loosely based on the former boxer’s real life.
“It’s simple. I’m playing a retired boxer who is growing marijuana,” Tyson said. “It’s basically me acting like me, so people can get a look at what my life could be like in different scenarios.”
Rob Hickman, a former top executive at Walt Disney Studios and 20th Century Fox, is Tyson’s partner in the television venture. Promotional videos have already been sent to television networks and Hickman, who is producing the show, said he expects it to begin airing in five months.
Tyson said that he is an advocate for the medicinal use of cannabis and that 85 percent of professional athletes use it to treat pain, inflammation, and anxiety.
“I smoke it all day, every day,” Tyson said.
In October 2000, Tyson’s technical knockout win in a bout with Andrew Golota was later changed to “no contest” after Iron Mike tested positive for cannabis use.
Art Imitates Life
Late last year, just days before California legalized recreational cannabis sales, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for Tyson Ranch in California City, California, about 110 miles north of Los Angeles in the Mojave Desert. Jennifer Wood, California City’s Mayor, said that the cannabis resort envisioned for the site could help spur an economic rebirth for the desert town. The community has sought to lure businesses in California’s fledgling legal cannabis industry to locate in the area. The ceremony was also attended by Tyson’s business partners Hickman and Jay Strommen.
“Undeveloped lands are primed to be cultivated,” Hickman said.
Twenty acres of the ranch will be dedicated to cannabis cultivation operations that “will allow master growers to have maximum control of their environment.”
The ranch will also operate the Tyson Cultivation School to educate cannabis growers. Cannabis industry infrastructure including an extraction facility, edibles factory, and hydroponic farming supply store are also planned for the site. Amenities for students and visitors including cabins, “glamping” grounds, and an amphitheater will also be built at the Tyson Ranch.
The ranch will be operated by Tyson Holistic, a company that is staffed mostly by veterans. The grounds are near the Edwards Air Force Base and Tyson Holistic sees taking care of service people and veterans as a top priority for the firm. The company plans to give back to the community in addition to providing new jobs and economic opportunity for the area.
Earlier this year, a video of the Tyson Ranch brand launch party in Los Angeles was posted to YouTube. The former world undisputed heavyweight champion has also trademarked the name “Iron Mike Genetics” for Tyson Ranch branding and marketing.
