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Mike Tyson, the legendary former heavyweight boxing champion, is reportedly considering another return to the ring, this time against one of the most renowned MMA fighters in history.
Following his exhibition match against Jake Paul in November 2024, Tyson has received an official offer to face MMA icon Fedor Emelianenko in a boxing bout scheduled for December.
A potential clash of legends
Fedor Emelianenko, a 48-year-old Russian fighter, is widely regarded as one of the greatest heavyweights in MMA history.
With a career spanning over two decades, Emelianenko boasts a 40-7 record and was known for his dominance in the PRIDE Fighting Championships. He retired in 2023 after a TKO loss to Ryan Bader.
The proposed bout would be a boxing match, marking a significant crossover between MMA and traditional boxing. Alash Pride League (APL), a Kazakh combat sports promotion, has extended the invitation to Tyson, aiming to stage the event in December.
APL President Alimzhan Bektaev confirmed that negotiations are underway. "We are planning a bout between Mike Tyson and Fedor Emelianenko," Bektaev stated. "Work in this direction is already underway... The tournament, where we want to invite Mike Tyson, is scheduled for December."
Tyson's recent return to the ring
Tyson's last professional bout was in 2005, but he made a comeback in 2020 for an exhibition match against fellow former champion Roy Jones Jr., which ended in a split draw.
In November 2024, Tyson faced Jake Paul in a highly publicized fight that was streamed live on Netflix. The event attracted a record 65 million concurrent viewers and averaged an estimated 108 million live viewers, making it one of the most-watched sporting events in history.
Despite the massive viewership, Tyson, at 58 years old, appeared slower and less agile compared to his prime, losing the bout by unanimous decision. While the fight showcased Tyson's enduring presence in the sport, it also raised concerns about his physical condition and readiness for future competition.
The appeal of a Tyson vs. Emelianenko bout
A potential match between Tyson and Emelianenko would undoubtedly generate significant interest in the combat sports community. Both fighters are considered legends in their respective disciplines, and a crossover event would highlight the blending of MMA and boxing.
However, questions remain about Tyson's ability to compete at a high level given his age and recent performance.
Emelianenko has expressed interest in boxing following his MMA retirement, citing Tyson as an inspiration. A bout between the two could serve as a fitting tribute to their illustrious careers and provide fans with a unique spectacle.