ARLINGTON, Texas – The black boxing trunks Mike Tyson once wore with menace now have a poignant tribute.
The name of his late daughter, Exodus Sierra Tyson, is stitched onto the bottom front corner in white lettering, photos show.
The garment was specially designed for Tyson by BYLT Basics, a clothing company the boxer has partnered with.
Robert Pursell, a spokesman for BYLT, said the company expects Tyson will wear the trunks for his fight against Jake Paul Friday at AT&T Stadium.
Exodus was 4 when a treadmill cord got wrapped around her neck and strangled her to death, according to police, who called the death in 2009 a “tragic accident.’’
She was found by her brother, then 7, in an Arizona home where Tyson lived with the children’s mother.
Tyson, who now has six children, has talked about his grief over Exodus’ death in multiple interviews.
“Family is everything,’’ he said Tuesday after open workouts.
His oldest son, Amir, has participated in Netflix’s coverage of fight week.
In the photos of the new boxing trunks, the name Exodus Sierra Tyson sits atop an American flag on the left pant leg. The trunk design includes a Tyson company logo across the waistband and BYLT across the right thigh.
Pursell said the former world heavyweight champion has been wearing the specially-designed trunks during workouts.
Andrew Ruf, Tyson’s agent, did not immediately respond to a text message seeking confirmation Tyson will wear the trunks during the fight. Tyson did not wear the new trunks during open workouts Tuesday at the Toyota Music Factory in Irving.
“We are really excited to collaborate with Mike on this design to pay homage to his story, which spanned multiple decades now,’’ Joe Trachta, BYLT head of product, said in a statement provided to USA TODAY Sports. “We can’t wait to see Iron Mike back in action.’’
Born March 3, 2005, Exodus was three months old when Tyson fought his last pro bought. He retired after failing to come out for the seventh round against Kevin McBride.
At open workouts, when asked what he’s learned since he began training for the fight, Tyson said, “That I’m tougher than I believe I was.’’
