The last time Mike Tyson was seen in a competitive boxing ring, he quit before the seventh round started against journeyman Kevin McBride. He'd been knocked out in the match prior. But none of that has stopped the buzz around a possible comeback.
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship will issue another offer to Mike Tyson next week in an attempt to lure the 53-year-old out of retirement. The latest offer will exceed $20 million and include additional charitable donations, BKFC President David Feldman told MMA Fighting.
The excitement around Tyson's potential return to the ring started when videos surfaced on social media showcasing Iron Mike's impressive speed and power.
Offers have come in from promoters and fighters for Tyson's potential opponents. UFC legend Tito Ortiz said he'd been asked about potentially fighting Tyson. Ortiz told TMZ that he thinks a Tyson vs. Ortiz fight could "double" what Mayweather vs. McGregor did.
Tyson said to TMZ that he's down to fight Evander Holyfield, Ortiz or whoever, as long as the money goes to charity.
"Anybody who's willing to contribute to this charity, they're welcome to come challenge me," Tyson said. "I would be open for anyone."
Feldman told MMA Fighting that he didn't offer a fight to Ortiz. He sees someone such as Wanderlei Silva as a stronger draw.
"No matter how old Silva gets, he’s dangerous, and I think that would be an intriguing matchup," Feldman said. "Something like that, but I don’t actually have anything in mind right now.”
Former heavyweight champion Holyfield, 57, told DAZN's Chris Mannix he thinks there's a "good chance" Holyfield vs. Tyson III could happen.
Tyson is a hot commodity. With all the intrigue, whoever Tyson fights next will have a positive impact with charitable donations.
“There are a lot of people out there that need help," Tyson told TMZ, "and something like (a Tyson fight) could help a lot of people."