UFC legend Tito Ortiz confirmed he has been contacted over fighting Mike Tyson and believes it can succeed Floyd Mayweather vs Conor McGregor in revenue.
It comes as Tyson, 53, prepares to make a shock comeback, 15 years after retiring, with Ortiz then calling out the heavyweight icon online.
UFC legend Tito Ortiz confirmed he has been contacted over fighting Mike Tyson
Tyson prepares to make a shock comeback, 15 years after retiring
And the 45-year-old revealed he has received an approach about facing Iron Mike – and insists his boxing agility and fighting activity will be enough to beat the reformed Baddest Man on The Planet.
Ortiz told TMZ Sports: “I got a phone call and someone started asking me, ‘What do you think about fighting Mike Tyson?’
“I was like, ‘Really?’ This is an opportunity that I like. I’m in.’ I’m not sure if it’s going to be MMA or boxing yet.
“I haven’t even gotten that far. We both have got to be cleared by the athletic commissions. That’s the biggest thing.
“Either one. I’ve been boxing for 20 years. My boxing skills have gotten better and better.
“They may not be at the same level as Tyson, but has Tyson been punched in the face in the last 15 years? No he hasn’t.
“I have been. I’ve been able to subdue everyone I’ve competed against over the last four years.”
The last time an MMA star fought a boxer, Mayweather and McGregor generated around $500million through pay-per-view and ticket sales, along with each fighters purse.
But Ortiz – who beat rival Chuck Liddell in a box office flop last year – believes facing Tyson on his return to the ring could double Mayweather and McGregor’s revenue – which equates to $1billion.
Tito Ortiz has been training with the WWECredit: Getty – Contributor
He explained: “You know what Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather did? I think we could double that.
“It’d be amazing. It’d be fun. It’d be a great opportunity for both of our brands.
“The hard work that pays off, the person’s hand will get raised. Everyone knows me as being a hard worker.”
Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor generated around $500m
Mike Tyson shows off shredded physique aged 53 in gym workout with MMA legend Vitor Belfort ahead of boxing return
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
