At the peak of his powers, Tyson was a media phenomenon following his ruthless and brutal displays in the boxing ring.

Every reporter wanted a piece of ‘Iron’ Mike as he reigned over the heavyweight division.

But on one occasion, he was duped by a serial killer and allowed him through his doors weeks before his arrest.

Convicted murderer Dale Hausner gained access to the boxer’s gym, having killed eight people and injured 19 people in Phoenix, Arizona.

A few weeks prior to his capture, Hausner interviewed Tyson as part of his sport journalism job, leading to questioning from the police a couple of days after their exchange.

Hausner was eventually sent to prison for life before a death sentence was carried out.

Tyson knew nothing about the situation as he fielded questions from Hausner.

Mike Tyson was duped by a serial killer during his professional career. Image: Getty

Speaking to Jimmy Kimmel, the former world heavyweight champion recalled his interaction with a police officer over his meeting with Hausner.

“I came outside, and I was talking to the guy [policeman]. He showed me the picture of me and the guy because it was on his website,” he said.

“He said, ‘Do you know this gentleman?’ And I said, ‘Well sir, I don’t know, I was promoting a fight, if I must have said something to him, if I offended him, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to do that’.

“And he said, ‘No, he liked you, Mr. Tyson. He didn’t like the 28 people that he shot and the eight that he killed’.”

Tyson’s brief encounter with Hausner, who committed heinous crimes, sums up his crazy life.