TYSON FURY has been called out to a modified boxing match by former MMA champion Vitor Belfort – who has plans to fight on Mike Tyson’s undercard.
Fury, 31, has dabbled with the prospect of making a switch to the UFC once his boxing career is over, but Belfort has warned him against the move.
Vitor Belfort called out Tyson Fury to a hybrid boxing bout
Fury has talked up the possibility of crossing over to the UFC
The current ONE Championship star last year called out ring legend Roy Jones Jr to meet in hybrid boxing match, with clinching involved.
And now the former UFC light-heavyweight has set his sights on the WBC heavyweight champion – and pleaded with Fury to drop hopes of crossing over to the UFC and instead meet him half way.
Belfort 43, told SunSport: “Don’t do that Tyson – it’s too much, it’s not fair.
“Tyson Fury is a great champion, but I would love to box him in a rules that benefit an athlete from MMA.
“I would love to test myself against this great world champion. And I love his personality, his approach, he’s a simple and down to earth guy.
“I would love to test my skills with him but in rules where I can grapple in the clinch, I can do standing punching, so I can even the ground a little so we can entertain fans on a level that has never been done before.”
ONE Championship star Belfort has plans to face a boxer
Belfort has had one professional boxing match, but campaigned to represent the UFC with the gloves on during his time with the American promotion.
He still wants to tempt 51-year-old four-weight champion Jones – who only retired in 2018 – back to the ring, despite their failed talks last year.
Belfort said: “Roy Jones has to get his stuff together and start getting ready because he has to come back to the scene.
“Roy has a great legacy in boxing but I want to fight him in what we call box-martial arts.
“It’s rules that benefit me too, but it’s not in a cage, I’m not going to knee him, not going to take him to the ground.
“But I will be able to grind him in the clinch and make him feel the pace. We’re going to even the ground.”
Roy Jones Jr was called out by Belfort last year
Belfort signed with Asian MMA powerhouse ONE Championship last year, and believes he has the backing of CEO Chatri Sityodtong in his bid to launch a hybrid boxing bout.
He explained: “Maybe they can put together an event with me against Tyson Fury or Roy Jones Jr.
“I really feel like we are about to do something really big and when I signed with ONE Championship I got that feeling.
“Everyone is always looking for a new thing and they want not just to be entertained but something new.”
Belfort has recently been training with old friend Tyson, 53, who shocked fans after announcing plans to make a comeback to box in exhibition bouts.
And the Brazilian hopes his dream of facing past or present boxing royalty can act as chief support for Iron Mike’s first fight in 15 years.
He added: “I’m Team Tyson, so if he fights I’ll be the co-main event.
“He’s in fantastic shape, he’s been feeling good. I believe when you are more mature in age you don’t have to do so much, because you’ve got experience.
“He’s in great shape, he’s got great people around him, I’m excited for Tyson.”
Belfort has recently been training with old friend Tyson
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
