MIKE TYSON appears to have every heavyweight on notice after announcing he was making a stunning comeback.
Past and present stars have chucked their name into the hat to entice Tyson back to the ring.
And with Iron Mike planning to box in exhibition bouts for charity, it has been mostly former opponents that fancy standing in the opposite corner.
Evander Holyfield, 57, Danny Williams, 46, Peter McNeeley, 51, are among those old rivals ready to lace up the gloves again to face the legendary American puncher.
But after 58-year-old Frank Bruno – who was twice beaten by Tyson – uploaded a picture online hitting the heavy bag in great shape, fans called for a trilogy bout.
Bruno, to his credit has not entertained a comeback, but a third fight with the youngest heavyweight champion of all time would make for compelling, but not necessary viewing.
Here SunSport details how the two heavy-hitters compare well into retirement.
MIKE TYSON
Tyson retired in 2005, following back to back losses, against Danny Williams and then Kevin McBride.
He looked a shadow of himself, so much so in both defeats he sat on the seat of his pants and quit.
In his years in retirement, Tyson overcame a battle with substance abuse and depression to become a successful cannabis farm owner as well well as hosting his own popular podcast.
But the reformed Baddest Man on The Planet found the inspiration to start training again, and quickly announced a comeback – insisting he is back to his most destructive self.
He said: “I feel unstoppable now. I feel the same again. The gods of war ignited my ego and want me to go to war again.”
Mike Tyson retired in 2005 after losing to Kevin McBrideCredit: Getty
Tyson has spent the last month training under MMA coach Rafael Cordeiro, dramatically transforming his body, and revealed he would need just five more weeks until he could fight again.
It’s clear the 53-year-old stills posses the destructive speed and power that won him the belt aged 20, with recent videos on the pads proving so.
But being fit to train and fit to fight are two completely different things – as explained by the man himself after his final loss.
Tyson said after being stopped against McBride: “I realised, I don’t think I have it anymore. I got the ability to stay in shape, but I don’t have the ability to fight anymore.”
Despite the harsh reality, Tyson is adamant he is in the shape of his life, and ready to turn back the clock.
He explained: “Six weeks of this and I’d be in the best shape I’ve ever dreamed of being in. As a matter of fact, I’m going through that process right now.”
Tyson has spent the last month training under MMA coach Rafael CordeiroCredit: Instagram
FRANK BRUNO
Britain’s favourite heavyweight champion walked away from the ring in 1996, coincidently after losing to Tyson.
After finally winning the belt the same year he retired, Bruno’s dream was achieved and a nation was on its feet.
Having accomplished his goal, the heavyweight hero never looked close to making a comeback.
Instead the Brit legend has remained in boxing, and in great shape, by helping rising stars at his former amateur club, the Peacock.
Bruno has even been spotted hitting the pads from time to time, sharing some rounds with good friend Ricky Hatton in his Manchester gym.
Similarly, the former champ last year was the padman, as he took prospect Daniel Dubois through an open workout in London.
Despite fans wanting Bruno to stay happily retired, it can’t be denied the MBE looks in great shape.
But it can only be celebrated that as of yet he will only be watching Tyson’s comeback, not taking part in it.
Daniel Dubois trains with Frank Bruno on the padsCredit: Getty Images
FIGHT BREAKDOWN
Unlike many of Tyson’s other potential comeback opponents, Bruno has not fought in over two decades, making it impossible to speculate how he would fare in a fight, exhibition or not.
If you are to compare the heavyweights’ recent training videos, it cannot be denied Tyson is the faster, more explosive hitter – which can be expected having fought for nine years after Bruno’s retirement.
But, in their years in retirement Bruno has lived a cleaner lifestyle, following Iron Mike’s battle with substance abuse.
If, unfortunately, a third fight between the duo was to ever take place, Tyson is a huge favourite, thanks to his two prior wins but also more activity and recent body transformation.
With opinions varying on whether Tyson, well out of his prime, should make a comeback or not, it can be agreed that Bruno should stay as far away from it as possible, and enjoy his heroic legacy.
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
