Mike Tyson Eyeing A Return To The Ring
Even in 2020, “The Baddest Man on the Planet” moniker belongs to Mike Tyson. One of the most dominant heavyweight boxers of all time, Tyson is looking to prove he has a little more gas left in the tank.
Tyson (50-6, 2NC), 53, will be making his return to the boxing ring. He won’t be facing the likes of Deontay Wilder or Tyson Fury, however. Speaking with rapper T.I. on Instagram Live, Tyson stated he is looking to get back into shape. He also stated several exhibition bouts will be for charity.
“I’ve been hitting the mitts for the last week,” Tyson stated, via Yahoo Sports. “That’s been tough, my body is really jacked up and really sore from hitting the mitts. I’ve been working out, I’ve been trying to get in the ring, I think I’m going to box some exhibitions and get in shape. I want to go to the gym and get in shape to be able to box three or four-round exhibitions for some charities and stuff. Some charity exhibitions, make some money, help some homeless and drug-affected motherfucker like me.”
This comes from “Iron” Mike posting a video on social media of him sparring, showing quick hand speed and shots that reminded fans why he has 44 wins via knockout. He is looking to help out the homeless and drug addicts with his fights.
I’m a Bad Boy for Life. Watch #BadBoysforLife now on DVD Blueray @realmartymar #willsmith #stillthebaddestmanontheplanet pic.twitter.com/R9Zmz19GFm
— Mike Tyson (@MikeTyson) May 1, 2020
Tyson made his professional debut in 1985 and quickly rose up the ranks in the boxing world. In his 28th fight, Tyson knocked out Trevor Berbick in the second round to win the WBC Heavyweight Title. He became the youngest world heavyweight champion of all time at 20. From then, he went on a run where he knocked out boxing’s best, including Tyrell Biggs, Larry Holmes, Michael Spinks, and Frank Bruno.
Following his upset loss to Buster Douglas in 1990 and arrests for issues outside of boxing, Tyson beat Frank Bruno again for the WBC Heavyweight Title in 1995. He then lost two bouts to Evander Holyfield, one in 1997 for famously biting his ear. His last fight as a pro was a loss at the hands of Kevin McBride in 2005. Tyson has competed in exhibition bouts before; he faced Corey Sanders in 2006 and appeared to have been holding back during a time he needed money the most.
At one point weighing 325 pounds, Tyson has been training with Kings MMA coach Rafael Cordeiro. The 46-year-old and three-time Brazilian Muay Thai World Champion has worked with the likes of Fabricio Werdum, among others. Speaking to Ariel Helwani in the above video, Cordeiro discussed what it was like to be on the receiving end of shots by Tyson and his potential desire to return to the ring for good.
“I didn’t know what to expect,” Cordeiro stated, via ESPN. “He hasn’t hit mitts for almost 10 years. So I didn’t expect to see what I saw. I saw a guy with the same speed, same power as guys 21, 22 years old.
“What I can tell you is that if he wants to do something in the future, we’ll be ready to do that, 100%.”
Tyson’s training program requires 300 reps of light weights and about 30 minutes of hitting the mits. He compares it three guys beating him up. Some people are against him coming back, like George Foreman, who told World Boxing News:
“Tyson has done enough great things for boxing. No more is needed.”
Recently, Tyson’s former trainer Jeff Fenech stated it would only take six weeks of training for Tyson to take out someone like Wilder, a former WBC Heavyweight Champion. Tyson himself has taken it upon himself to coach up the likes of Wilder and Anthony Joshua in recent years.
How would Mike Tyson do in a boxing ring today?