MMA legend receives boxing return proposal from Mike Tyson following loss against Jake Paul
Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson has reportedly been approached by the Kazakh combat sports promotion, Alash Pride League (APL), for a potential comeback fight. The 58-year-old Pugilist, who returned from a 19-year retirement to square off against YouTube-turned-boxer Jake Paul last November, is now being offered a bout against MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko.
In a media conference in Astana, Kazakhstan, APL President Alimzhan Bektaev announced plans for a clash between Tyson and Emelianenko. The tournament, slated for December, is expected to feature this potential crossover contest.
Emelianenko, aged 48, is a former long-reigning PRIDE heavyweight title holder and four-time combat sambo world champion. Known for defeating fellow all-time greats such as Mirko Cro Cop, Antoño Rodrigo Nogueira, Mark Coleman, and Andrei Arlovski, he has an impressive 40-7 record.
The rule set for the proposed encounter remains unspecified, but it appears likely that the bout will take place under boxing rules. It remains uncertain if Tyson will entertain the idea of such a challenge, although Emelianenko has previously expressed interest in sharing the ring with Tyson.
Speaking during an appearance on the Ariel Helwani show in 2023, shortly after his retirement from MMA, Emelianenko expressed his desire to try boxing and mentioned his interest in facing Tyson, calling the legendary boxer a 'big name' and a 'legend'.
The outcome of the negotiations is yet to be disclosed, with no confirmation of Tyson's acceptance of the offer as of now.
Tyson and Emelianenko, both veterans in their respective sports of boxing and MMA, may clash in a crossover contest, as announced by the Alash Pride League. The tournament, set for December, could potentially see the rules of boxing applied in this historic matchup.
