“We’ve got to do this again,” a thrilled and adrenaline-induced Mike Tyson declared as he bowed out at Staples Center in Los Angeles after making a return to the boxing ring in 2020. It seems the time has come. Reports have emerged that the baddest man on the planet is ready to make another comeback to his playground. But this time against MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko. The two spheres of MMA and boxing will collide once again in a fight that will shake the money tree.
The intriguing update comes from MMA Pack, which revealed talks of a potential showdown between two former heavyweight champions were underway. The probable fight might take place in Saudi Arabia, which has helped broker many super fights recently. After hanging his MMA gloves, the former Bellator champion wants to venture into the square circle and seize eyeballs. Meanwhile, ‘Iron Mike’ will be excited to exchange punches with one of the best out there and put on a show for fans.
Mike Tyson vs. Fedor Emelianenko: Clash of two giants of combat sports
Mike Tyson, with a record of 50-6-2 NC, and Fedor Emelianenko, with a record of 40-7-1, are two of the greatest fighters to ever grace the ring. While the American fighter dismantled and evoked fear among his opponents, the Russian MMA fighter broke down foes inside the cage. Emelianenko retired as one of the greatest MMA fighters when he hung up the gloves in February 2023.
The probable fight holds the charm and allure of a bout between two great fighters. They will not only put their skills to the test but also put their bodies on the line. The fans still want to witness how an MMA champion fares against a skilled boxer. In this case, both Tyson and Emelianenko hold accolades and belts to move the needle.
Both fighters had prolonged careers and remained at the top of their game for a while. They have millions of fans spread over the globe, and they still want to see their idols throw a punch in the ring. Then add a couple of good names on the undercard, and you have an event guaranteed for success. It’s a recipe well cooked before, when ‘Kid Dynamite’ made his return to boxing against Roy Jones Jr. in November 2020.
The spice of entertainment and nostalgia
When Tyson made his comeback, what was offered was not an exciting matchup with another legend. But it was nostalgia that sold the fight. How Emelianenko or Tyson performs or what they do against each other doesn’t matter. It’ll be a show to remind the fans what prime Emelianenko and Tyson looked like.
Moreover, the event is not supposed to judge either of the fighters on their prowess or showcase of technical skills. Both former champions will step into the ring and give fans a night to remember. Entertainment will be the parameter fans will measure the night on.
Something similar happened when Tyson went blow-for-blow against Roy Jones Jr. The crowd enjoyed the flashes of brilliance, which made the event a dream success. Tyson’s Legends Only League later disclosed that the event generated 1.6 million PPV buys and collected over $80 million in revenue. The card found its place in history records and made it in the top 10 all-time among combat sports events in PPV buys. You can expect a similar spectacle this time around.
Fans simply want Mike Tyson to run it back
What has the fans buzzing about Mike Tyson’s return to the ring? Tyson doesn’t fight a boring fight. He brings carnage to the ring, and when he fought Roy Jones Jr., he looked in shape. Tyson, at 57, still looks like he can fight any quality opponent. His performance against ‘Superman’ had fans wanting to see him fight again.
Lastly, the New York native still remains the biggest draw in the boxing world. You put him on any card, and fans will pour out their support and shell out their money. The Baddest Man on the Planet has the hunger to go one more time, and there is no better opportunity than to do it against another elite fighter, Emelianenko.
What do you make of this rumor about Mike Tyson returning to the boxing ring? Who do you believe will emerge victorious between the two? Let us know in the comments below.
