Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], Sept 29 (ANI): Former American boxing heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, who is on his maiden visit to India, has said that poor people are the ones who become "most successful fighters."

"I think the poorer you are, the better boxer you are. People in slums are the guys that will become the most successful fighters. All fighters who come from slums are successful. All current top fighters are from slums," Tyson said while addressing a press conference on Friday.

Tyson's statement comes after inaugurating the Kumite 1 League at the National Sports Club of India in Worli. The first global team Mixed Martial Arts league will start today with India and United Arab Emirates (UAE) match.

"I grew up in a slum. I had the ambition to get out of the slums and that's why I am here," Tyson added. (ANI)

(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)