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Mike Tyson to compete against shark for 'Shark Week'

Shark Week/Twitter

Mike Tyson is set to face one of his fiercest competitors yet as part of "Shark Week."

Discovery Channel announced Wednesday that the former heavyweight champion will star in "Tyson vs. Jaws: Rumble on the Reef," airing Aug. 9.

In the special, Tyson will "square off underwater" against a shark, with legendary ring announcer Michael Buffer calling the shots.

"I took on this challenger to overcome fears I still deal with in life," Tyson said in a statement. "I equate this with overcoming my fear of getting back into the ring at 54 years old.

"I learned from this experience doing "Shark Week" that whatever intimidates me, I am still able to step up to the challenge of overcoming anything that would prevent me from accomplishing my life's mission of reaching my highest potential in life and bringing me closer to God."

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