MIKE TYSON’S boxing comeback at the age of 54 is ‘fantastic’ for the sport, according to Oleksandr Usyk.
The Ukrainian heavyweight, 33, was all for Iron Mike dusting off the gloves after 15 years in a money-spinning exhibition against Roy Jones Jr in November.
Mike Tyson came out of retirement after 15 years in November aged 54Credit: USA TODAY Sports
Oleksandr Usyk said he would rather give Tyson a hug than fight himCredit: Mark Robinson Ltd
The contest between the legends with a combined age of 105 ended in a draw and the allure of Tyson’s return reeled in more than 1.6million pay-per-view sales – earning Triller a cool £60million.
But despite the potential riches on offer to fight Tyson, former unified cruiserweight champ Usyk said he “would rather give him a hug than fight” the youngest ever world heavyweight champ, if given the chance.
Usyk told SunSport: “I think that he has started boxing again because he just got bored.
“A man needs to have something that he does and that he loves doing.
“If he went back to his old ways, I think it’s great because he looks fantastic, he has lost weight, he is happy so why not?
“I don’t think I would fight Mike Tyson, I would rather give him a friendly hug.
“In terms of me continuing until I’m 54, if God wants it so be it.
“But one should really assess themselves to see if one is capable or not.”
Tyson and Jones drew in their profitable exhibition bout Credit: USA TODAY Sports
Tyson is already back in training ahead of a potential rematch or another bout as he confirmed he is eager to get back in the ring as soon as possible.
Usyk revealed he grew up watching Tyson and Lennox Lewis – who has also been linked with a comeback clash against rival Riddick Bowe – but the late Muhammad Ali was his ultimate boxing hero.
He added: “I watched the Klitschko brothers, of course. Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis but my icon once and forever was Muhammad Ali.”
Oleksandr Usyk was speaking after launching the WePlay Ultimate Fighting League in partnership with WePlay Esports.
Usyk grew up watching Tyson box on TVCredit: WePlay Esports
Snoop Dogg commentates and performs on the Mike Tyson vs Roy Jones Jr fight
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
