Mike Tyson says he’s ready to punch his first ballot.
The former heavyweight boxing champion has announced plans to vote for the first time in the 2020 presidential election less than six weeks from now.
Tyson said he spent years feeling locked out of the democratic process because of his 1992 conviction for rape.
“This election will be my 1st time voting,” Tyson tweeted Tuesday. “I never thought I could because of my felony record. I’m proud to finally vote.”
His post included the hashtag #NationalVoterRegistrationDay, along with a link to help others register to vote.
The 54-year-old Tyson served three years in prison after he was convicted of rape and two counts of deviant sexual conduct in 1992.
Many states have laws on the books that prohibit former convicts from voting. But Nevada, where Tyson lives, passed a law in 2019 that allows voting rights to be restored once a person is released from prison.
Tyson turned professional in 1985 and was one of the most feared fighters of his era. Many of his 44 knockouts came either in the first round or — better yet — in the first few seconds of his bouts.
He retired in 2005 with a 50-6 record.
Tyson has also been training for a big comeback and is scheduled to square up with Roy Jones Jr. in an exhibition match Nov. 28.
Much hype is surrounding the contest as Tyson has published videos of his training on social media.
The fight was initially scheduled to take place in September.
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