Mike Tyson had just beaten Lou Savarese in 38 seconds in 2000 when he produced the infamous line to Showtime’s Jim Gray:
But the threat left Lennox Lewis’ mum Violet bemused – because the heavyweight champion had no kids at the time.
Lewis told the Guardian: “When he said he’s coming for me, I’m like: ‘He’s coming for me? He’s crazy. Doesn’t he realise I’m coming for him?’
“When he said he’s going to eat my kids my mum said: ‘What’s he talking about? You don’t have no kids.’
“I’m not into that vulgar jailhouse talk.”
The post-fight rant – where Tyson boasted of being ‘the best ever’ – will forever be remembered as one of Iron Mike’s most chilling interviews:
He said: “Lennox Lewis, I’m coming for you.
“I’m the most brutal and vicious and ruthless champion there has ever been.
“Lennox is a conqueror? No. I am Alexander. He’s no Alexander. I’m the best ever.
“My style is impetuous, my defence is impregnable and I’m just ferocious.
“I want your heart. I want to eat his children.”
Despite Tyson’s dramatic message, he would go on to be beaten in round eight as Lewis comprehensively ended their rivalry in 2002:
The two heavyweight legends shared a history dating back to their teens, where they dominated as amateur champions and even sparred each other.
They were destined to meet in the ring again, as predicted by Tyson’s iconic mentor Cus D’Amato.
Lewis revealed: “We got to know each other pretty well. We spoke, we went down to the town, went to a dance together.
“He was a giant because during training in the Catskills you’d watch him knocking people out easy. I thought he was great.
“When the time came I knew we would meet in the ring. I wanted to know if what Cus said would come true.”