MIKE TYSON should only fight someone his own age if he is to make a glorious boxing return.
That is the opinion of former two-weight world champ David Haye, who thinks 53-year-old Tyson risks being ‘seriously hurt’ if he takes on an active, younger fighter.
Mike Tyson has said he is ready to return to boxing – at the age of 53Credit: Golders
Former two-weight world champ David Haye likes the idea of Tyson returning – as long as he fights boxers of the same ageCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Iron Mike has used lockdown to get in shape, and he has posted videos of his remarkable body transformation on social media.
He has announced he is keen to take part in exhibition bouts for charity, and already a whole host of names have been touted as his opponent.
Old rival Evander Holyfield, who beat Tyson twice in the 1990s, appears a likely rival for their trilogy fight.
The Real Deal has also stated his intention to lace up the gloves once again.
Current boxers Shannon Briggs, 48, and Luis Ortiz, 41, as well as UFC legends and UFC legends Tito Ortiz , 45, and Wanderlei Silva, 43, have all said they would fancy it.
Mike Tyson shows off shredded physique aged 53 in gym workout with MMA legend Vitor Belfort ahead of boxing return
Even WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has said he would be up for a bout against his hero for charity.
And while Haye says he “has no issue” with seeing Tyson back in the squared circle, he thinks the ‘Baddest Man On The Planet’ must be matched appropriately.
Speaking exclusively to SunSport the 39-year-old, who retired after successive defeats to Tony Bellew in 2018, said: “I have no issue with Mike Tyson jumping back in the ring, as long as it’s with someone else of a similar age.
“I don’t mind the Holyfield fight, I don’t mind Riddick Bowe, Herbie Hide, let’s dig out these old guys if they want a little fight for charity.
“But let’s not do it over 12 three-minute rounds, lets do it over six rounds. They are still the same fighters just not as fast and explosive.
“You can still say you watched it. As long as they keep it among themselves.
“I don’t like the thought of a young fighter taking on a fighter who is way past their best.
“They are so much more receptive to receive an injury.
“I would never like to see someone like Anthony Joshua or Tyson Fury fighting a guy in his 50s, it’s just horrible, it wouldn’t be nice.
“They would get money, but there is potential to get badly hurt. A prime Mike Tyson against anybody, but that Tyson is 30 years away from us.”
David Haye knew 35 seconds into his rematch against Tony Bellew that it was time to hang up the glovesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Watch as David Haye uses son Cassius as a weight in workout as pair stay ripped training at home
Haye retired in 2018 following a second successive stoppage loss to Liverpool rival Tony Bellew.
The former heavyweight and cruiserweight champion of the world later said he knew just 35 seconds into that rematch that his career was done.
A show remembering some of The Hayemaker’s greatest moments will air this Saturday on BT Sport 1.
Asked whether he could follow Tyson’s lead back into boxing, the Bermondsey man added: “I have no desires to get back in for any amount of money.
“I am happy with what I have done so far and it is just about enjoying the next phase of it.
“I definitely felt in my last fight [vs Bellew] that whatever the magic was wasn’t there.
“It’s been a couple of years now since that fight and I’m probably in better shape now than then.
“That ship has sailed.”
Go behind the scenes on some of David Haye’s biggest fights in BT Sport’s new boxing show What Went Down, Saturday 30 May, 745pm, BT Sport 1
Mike Tyson has already had a whole host of offers for his boxing comeback fightCredit: https://www.instagram.com/miketyson/
Mike Tyson was one of the most feared fighters on the planetCredit: AP:Associated Press
Mike Tyson declares ‘I’m back’ as 53-year-old posts ferocious video showing off speed and power in training
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
