MIKE TYSON is reportedly in talks over a stunning return to the ring in Saudi Arabia later this year.
The former undisputed heavyweight champion came out of retirement in November 2020 to face fellow boxing great Roy Jones Jr in an exhibition.
Tyson rolled back the years against the former four-weight world champion, so much so that he contemplated getting back in the ring the following year.
A second post-retirement fight has yet to materialise for Iron Mike, although reports in Russia claim the 57-year-old is in talks over a huge bout.
Tyson is said to be “in negotiations” to face mixed martial arts legend Fedor Emelianenko in a money-spinning crossover clash.
RedFuryMMA claims “several rounds” of talks over the potential clash of legends have already taken place.
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Tyson and Emelianenko, 47, are said to both be interested in the money-spinning Riyadh rumble.
The current sticking point is said to bemoney, although that could very well soon be sorted if the super-rich Saudis are indeed interested in the bout.
Boxing and MMA fans were left stunned by the news of the potential crossover clash, with one saying: “Say word?”
Another said: “Ooooo I actually like that match-up.”
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And another: “Don’t tease me. This better be legit.”
One remarked: “27 years in the making.”
Another chimed in: “Already better than UFC 300.”
Rumours of a fight with Emelianenko come just a matter of months after Tyson admitted he could be pressured to lace up his gloves again.
In an interview with TMZ, he said: “I could be persuaded [to fight again].
“I don’t know. When I see the money people for the end of the product, my mind works clearer.
“I can’t express myself right now financially.”
Russian wrecking machine Emelianenko is considered to be the greatest heavyweight MMA fighter of all time, despite never having fought in the UFC.
Emelianenko’s heyday came in the 2000s when he competed in the now-defunct Pride promotion, in which he won their heavyweight championship and Grand Prix and defeated legend after legend.
The Last Emperor – who was appointed as a staff member of Russia‘s Council of Physical Fitness & Sports by Vladimir Putin back in 2012 – was unbeaten for nearly ten years before losing to Fabricio Werdum in the summer of 2010.
Emelianenko brought the curtain down on his iconic career last February after suffering a first-round TKO loss to Bellator heavyweight champ Ryan Bader.
UPDATE: Mike Tyson’s representatives have denied negotiations over a fight with Fedor Emelianenko having taken place.
In a statement to SunSport, one of Tyson’s reps said: “This is false.
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“Mr. Tyson has not spoken to anyone in his camp.
“He is not interested in doing a fight with him now or in the future.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
