BOXING legend Mike Tyson is eyeing a shock showdown with Anthony Joshua.
The former undisputed heavyweight champion is set to return to the ring in November for a controversial crossover clash with Jake Paul.
Iron Mike has got himself in tip-top shape for his first foray to the ring since his Covid clash with Roy Jones Jr in November 2020.
And the International Boxing Hall of Famer, 57, has grand plans to share the ring with Joshua – albeit in a charity bout.
When asked about the prospect of sharing the ring with AJ for a good cause, he told TMZ: “I’m very interested.
“If doing that means we can have a bigger charity exponent, well so be it, I’m down to do that, too.
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“I would love to [fight Joshua]. That would be mind-blowing.”
Before he can think of a charity clash with AJ, Tyson must first get through YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul – who will be 31 YEARS his junior on fight night.
And former two-time unified heavyweight champion Joshua admits he has concerns for Tyson’s health.
During an appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show, the 34-year-old said: “He’s [Mike Tyson] older now.
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“I pray that he comes out healthy. I think Jake Paul because of youth – that’s the only thing.”
The booking of Tyson vs Paul sparked outrage in the boxing community, with fans publicly venting their disgust at the latter.
But Joshua, surprisingly, is a fan of Paul’s gimmick-driven fights.
He said: “I personally think it’s really good.
“I think the boxing hardcores, they don’t like it because they think, ‘Why are they disrespecting our sport?’
“But I think that person brings all these people into boxing which benefits everyone else. Everyone viewing helps.”
Tyson and Paul were due to trade blows on July 20 but their Texas tussle was pushed back to November 15 following a medical emergency for the former.
Joshua, meanwhile, was last in action in March, brutally knocking out former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in the second round of their Saudi showdown.
How AJ punched his way to the top
ANTHONY JOSHUA punched his way to the top of the world before being knocked off his perch.
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
