Donnie Yen recounts his experience co-starring with Mike Tyson in ‘Ip Man 3’: “I was afraid of being beaten to death”.
Martial arts star Donnie Yen admits to feeling anxious when having to co-star with Mike Tyson.
During a recent appearance at a film festival in Shanghai, Donnie Yen shared his experience working with Mike Tyson on the set of the film “Ip Man 3” in 2015. The 57-year-old martial arts icon admitted to being concerned about his own safety when filming fight scenes with the “Iron Fist.”
“When I was filming with him, I reminded myself to be extremely careful. I couldn’t allow myself to think that it was just a movie. I saw it as a real battle in the ring, a matter of life and death. I didn’t let myself get distracted for even a second. Because if I got hit, not only would I be knocked out, but I could also lose my life,” shared the renowned actor.
In “Ip Man 3,” Donnie Yen had a nearly 3-minute long fight scene with Mike Tyson. He revealed that he narrowly avoided getting hit by “Iron Fist.”
“It was truly dangerous. I could feel the air move as he threw punches, like a truck coming at me. That gust of wind is still in my mind, it was really dangerous. His fists were huge and they even touched my hair,” he shared.
Donnie Yen is a renowned martial arts star from Hong Kong (China). Despite nearing his 60s, he continues to make regular appearances on the screen. His recent work includes the film “Mulan” released earlier last year. Donnie Yen holds black belts in Taekwondo and Judo, as well as a Hong Men rank in traditional Chinese martial arts.
On the other hand, Mike Tyson is the youngest heavyweight champion in history, with a professional record of 44 wins and 6 losses. Last year, Mike made a comeback to the ring for an exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr. According to some sources, the “Iron Fist” is set to return to the ring again in September.
