Mike Tyson's New Reality Series

Mike Tyson, a life-long pigeon keeper, will star in a new reality series about bird racing.

The show has been picked up by Animal Planet, and will be titled Take on Tyson. The reality show will feature Tyson and his birds competing against the best racing-pigeon owners in New York.

Tyson is working to rebuild his reputation and image after serving three years for rape in the mid-'90s. The former heavyweight boxing champ also ended his fight career by biting Evander Holyfield.

Tyson claims, according to New York Post:

"I may have stopped fighting," says the former heavyweight champ. "But I never stopped flying birds. It's my first love."

Tyson owns hundreds of birds in two lofts, one in Brooklyn and one in Jersey City. Since age 10 or 11, Tyson has been taking care of stray pigeons and cleaning out milk crates used as bird cages.

Tyson was protective over his birds, which ultimately led him to boxing, as he never hurt anyone until they hurt one of his birds.

Bird race distances can be up to 500 miles, and the sport of pigeon racing involves thousands of dollars wagered on the outcome. The reality series will focus on the drama of the pigeon owners and the competition of the bird racing.

Tyson has never raced birds before, so he hired Vinnie Torre to get them ready for the intense competition.

Take on Tyson is set to air on Animal Planet early next year.