Mike Tyson and Ric Flair join forces in Mississauga this weekend

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Published November 7, 2023 at 8:44 pm

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Mike Tyson, left, and Ric Flair are coming to Mississauga (Ric Flair Instagram photo).

Giants from the world of boxing and professional wrestling will make an appearance in Mississauga this weekend.

Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson and wrestling legend Ric Flair will headline an impressive list of autograph guests at the Sport Card Expo at the International Centre which runs Friday through Sunday (Nov. 9-12).

Tyson, considered by many to be one of the greatest heavyweights of all time, shot to fame in the 1980s knocking out most opponents on his way to becoming the youngest champion in his weight class at age 20 and earning the reputation as “the baddest man on the planet.”

While fame and fortune came his way, trouble also found Tyson which led to a prison term followed by an incident in the ring when he bit off a chunk of Evander Holyfield’s ear.

In his post-fighting days, Tyson has spent time and energy redeeming his reputation through speaking tours while acknowledging his troubled past. Now 57, his appearance at the Expo is hotly anticipated by local boxing fans who rarely get a chance to meet pugilists with a worldwide reputation.

Not to be outdone, Ric Flair is no shrinking violet when it comes to drawing attention.

With a wrestling career that spans 50 years, Flair is truly a living legend for his legion of fans by claiming 21 championship belts (the amount varies depending on the source) and fashioning a flamboyant persona both inside the ring and before the television cameras.

And, while he has announced his retirement several times, at age 74 you can never truly count out the man known as Nature Boy Flair who has vowed never to give up wrestling.

As well as Tyson and Flair, the Sport Card Expo features several other autograph guests and dozens of vendors who will be offering up for sale memorabilia and rare collectibles from the world of sports.

Other guests include hockey greats Dave Keon and Brett Hull and baseball hall of famers Reggie Jackson and Dave Winfield, to name a few.

Admission price for the show varies as does the cost of autographs that reach as high as $399 for Tyson depending on the item you want signed.

A complete list of guests and other facts about the show can be found here.

The International Centre is located at 6900 Airport Rd.

 

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