MIKE TYSON has put the heavyweight world on red alert by claiming he is in training for a comeback.
The reformed Baddest Man on the Planet has been using lockdown time to get in shape and he is eyeing up a return to the ring for exhibition bouts to raise charity money.
Mike Tyson was one of the most feared fighters on the planetCredit: Getty – Contributor
The 53-year-old former undisputed world champion said: “I’ve been working out, I’ve been trying to get in the ring, I think I’m going to box some exhibitions and get in shape.
“I want to go to the gym and get in shape to be able to box three or four-round exhibitions for some charities and stuff.”
Tyson ripped through the division as a terrible teenager before becoming the youngest heavyweight champion in history.
But he always struggled in his internal battles after a traumatic childhood and the death of mentor Cus D’Amato mixed terribly with the millions of pounds and unprecedented fame that greeted him at the top of the sport.
Today, the cannabis advocate seems in a far more serene state of mind but he still has some sensational trademark moves.
So SunSport picked SEVEN possible opponents for Iron Mike to thrill his fans with…
Oliver McCall ended his boxing career with a record of 59-14Credit: Reuters
Oliver McCall
Age: 55
Record: 59-14
The former WBC heavyweight world champion last boxed professionally in 2019 so should be in reasonable shape.
Like Iron Mike, McCall suffered mental health and drug abuse problems during his wild career so a charity clash between the pair could be an ideal way to draw attention and funds to those shared issues.
McCall’s shock KO win over Lennox Lewis and unanimous decision win over the icon Larry Holmes mean his name remains a marquee draw for Tyson to use for his charity plans.
And similar ages and physical attributes could help make this the most legitimate showdown.
David Haye has not fought since his defeat to Tony Bellew in 2018Credit: AFP or licensors
David Haye
Age: 39
Record: 28-4
The former cruiser and heavyweight king certainly looks fighting fit and he admitted recently he could return for a big-money bout against the potential winner of the Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury super-fight.
Poker-playing Haye is now managing heavyweight hardman Derek Chisora and his injury-ravaged last two bouts with Tony Bellew showed he would be in no state to face a prime Tyson.
But if the pair can agree on an exhibition, where they can at least both look the part, then it could be a great deal for all parties.
Wladimir Klitschko lost to Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury during his careerCredit: Splash News
Wladimir Klitschko
Age: 44
Record: 64-5
A decade as world champion and 11 years unbeaten before Tyson Fury had his wicked way with the legend.
Talk of a comeback is rarely far away as the little brother of Vitali keeps himself in sensation shape.
Going out on the back of high profile defeats to the Gypsy King and Anthony Joshua might have left a sour taste in his mouth so the chance to remind fans of his power and skill might appeal.
Danny Williams defied the odds to beat Mike Tyson in 2004Credit: Reuters
Danny Williams
Age: 46
Record: 54-28
The Englishman famously beat a very sad version of Tyson in 2004 so the American icon could fancy a dose of revenge.
Tragically, Williams is still fighting professionally as a journeyman, around Russia and Europe, to support his family and keep his children in education.
Williams earned an increasingly rare win in November 2019 and fans would rather see him box Tyson for charity than dangerous prospects in far flung gyms.
Chris Eubank Jr has been training under the watchful eye of Roy Jones Jr.Credit: chriseubankjr.com
Roy Jones Jr
Age: 51
Record: 66-9
One of the greatest boxers in history is now carving a second career out for himself as a trainer but was still boxing professionally as recently as 2018.
The four-weight legend is working with middleweight ace Chris Eubank Jr and has shown in a series of clips that he remains razor sharp.
Jones Jr took on some of the world’s best fighters as he climbed the divisions and became heavyweight king.
But the chance to test his unmistakable skills against one of the sports most ruthless predators might be enough to tempt him back.
WBC champion Tyson Fury remains unbeaten after 31 fightsCredit: PA:Press Association
Tyson Fury
Age: 31
Record: 30-0-1
Morecambe’s WBC heavyweight king was named after Mike so they share a natural affinity.
Fury’s four most recent fights in the US have allowed him to spend time with his namesake and he appeared on Tyson’s Hotboxin’ podcast last year.
The competitor in Fury would undoubtedly jump at the chance to dance with Mike, as even when he was 28st and in semi-retirement he did practice rounds with terrifying prospect Daniel Dubois, just for fun.
And his risky wrestling crossovers have proven he is always open to crazy ideas to entertain his fans.
Kash Ali was banned for six months after biting David PriceCredit: Reuters
Kash Ali
Age: 28
Record: 17-1
The Birmingham man made headlines last year when he chomped a page out of the Tyson handbook and bit chunks out of David Price.
The battle of the biters would not have the mainstream appeal of the other possible bouts, as Ali is no headliner.
But what better for the Brit to make amends to the sport than doing charity rounds with the Baddest Man on the Planet.
Mike Tyson reveals he is in boxing training ahead of shock return to the ring for four-round charity fight
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
