JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 19: Mike Tyson looks on before the start of the Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on September 19, 2019 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
Mike Tyson Contemplates Sensational Bare-Knuckle Comeback
Mike Tyson, the legendary former heavyweight champion, has set the combat sports world abuzz with his recent revelation about turning down a staggering $20 million offer for a bare-knuckle fight. The boxing icon, who retired from professional boxing in 2005, remains an enduring figure in the sport, and fans have longed to witness his return to the ring.
In a surprising twist, Tyson disclosed that he rejected the lucrative offer in 2020, citing his belief that the potential earnings didn’t match his worth. He candidly stated, “As long as they paid me. I’d do anything if they paid me.”
While a significant payday could tempt Tyson back into action, his rejection of the $20 million deal underscores his high standards. Notably, other wrestling and MMA figures also extended barehanded fight offers to Tyson, highlighting the continued fascination with his combat prowess.
However, age and potential injury risks are factors that Tyson must consider. Having been absent from professional boxing for years, Tyson may hesitate to engage in bare-knuckle bouts, which carry a heightened risk of serious injuries. Despite the allure of enormous sums, Tyson’s legacy and well-being remain paramount, leaving fans to wonder if they’ll ever witness his triumphant return to the ring.
Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou has heaped praise on the current titleholder, Jon Jones, hailing him as the greatest fighter in mixed martial arts history. Ngannou, who never lost his world title but was stripped of it due to contract disputes with the UFC, acknowledged Jones’s exceptional achievements.
Jones, a legendary light-heavyweight champion, moved up to the heavyweight division and claimed the title, becoming a rare two-weight world champion. As Ngannou prepares for his upcoming boxing debut against WBC champion Tyson Fury, he openly admitted that Jones holds the status of the sport’s greatest-ever fighter.
Despite his admiration for Jones, Ngannou expressed his eagerness to face the American fighter. The two had a face-off at Ngannou’s new promotion, the Professional Fighters League (PFL), in Atlanta earlier this June. Ngannou believes that defeating Jones in a potential bout would be crucial to solidifying his own legacy.
During an appearance on Complex’s GOAT Talk series alongside his new coach, Mike Tyson, Ngannou was asked about MMA’s greatest fighter. Tongue-in-cheek, he initially suggested himself, but Tyson chimed in with his perspective: “There’s so many of them I like, Jon Jones. Khabib [Nurmagomedov]. There’s a lot of great ones coming up. New guys. I have to go with Jon Jones because of all the adversity and all he went through and he still managed to become champ.” Ngannou concurred, emphasizing Jones’s extraordinary skills and his desire to face him in the future.
Ngannou’s admiration for Jon Jones reflects the profound impact Jones has had on the sport, and the potential clash between these two heavyweight titans remains a tantalizing prospect for MMA fans worldwide.
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