A Mike Tyson statue has been unveiled in Las Vegas by the man himself, but it would be fair to say that it lacks likeness to the legendary former heavyweight champion.

Tyson is widely regarded as one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time, after becoming the youngest heavyweight champion in history – aged just 20 in 1986 and taking the record from Muhammad Ali.

He also became the first heavyweight boxer in history to hold WBC, WBA and IBF titles all at the same time.

It is for these reasons that a statue was rightly erected in ‘Iron Mike’s’ honour, as he stood proudly alongside the sculpture with his fist raised aloft.

He went on to praise the restaurateur Richie Palmer after it was showcased for the first time by Mulberry’s Pizzeria at Resorts World in Las Vegas.

“Well, you know, I’m from New York and Mulberry Pizzeria’s legendary there and I lived in Beverly Hills and it was legendary there,” he said in quotes published by talkSPORT.

“I lived around the corner from it. I was here in [Las] Vegas and he [Richie Palmer] honoured me with the statue and I’m really humbled and thank you, Richie.

“I knew Richie ever since my teenage years in New York City and we always been close and I’m a little overwhelmed. I’m pretty humbled right now.”

While Tyson’s opinion of the statue is arguably the most important, it has not stopped a slew of criticism on social media regarding the way in which the Brooklyn-born boxer has been immortalised in bronze.

The online boxing editor for talkSPORT, Michael Benson, posted the tweet and the replies are something to behold

Among the comments include: “Love Mike but that statue looks nothing like him, lol.” Meanwhile, another said: “nothing like Tyson but still doesn’t take away that he’s one of the greatest boxers in history.

Among the comments include: “Love Mike but that statue looks nothing like him, lol.” Meanwhile, another said: “nothing like Tyson but still doesn’t take away that he’s one of the greatest boxers in history.