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“It’s the Hurt Business”: Years After $20 Million Offer, Mike Tyson Admits to Jorge Masvidal His Interest in Fighting Bare-Knuckle

Published 09/07/2023, 1:05 PM EDT

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Mike Tyson retired in the year 2005. However, he made his return in the squared circle against Roy Jones Jr. back in 2020 in an exhibition bout. Despite being 57 years of age, ‘The Baddest man ever,’ impressed the fans with the skills he possesses even today. Moreover, in a recent turn of events, ‘Iron Mike,’ welcomes the possibility of making a comeback but in a bare-knuckle contest.

Intriguingly, back in 2020, ‘Bare knuckle fighting champion,’ had made an offer to, ‘Iron Mike,’ for a contest under their banner. It is reported that the offer was worth a whopping $20 million to face a retired MMA fighter: Wanderlei Silva.  In a recent episode of ‘Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson,’ with MMA fighter, Jorge Masvidal as the guest, the former Heavyweight champion was down to compete in BKFC— But what was his reason? Let’s find out.

Why does Mike Tyson want to compete in BKFC?

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As of today, Tyson has cemented himself as one of the greatest boxers of all time. Not to mention, he continues to be in the public limelight and has multiple businesses to look after. However, Tyson is keen to compete and will not mind competing for BKFC if it is lucrative. When asked about the possibility of competing in the league, he responded in the affirmative and stated, “If they paid me. I’ll do anything if they paid me.”

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Thereafter, he expressed his opinion on this style of fighting. He asserted that bare knuckle combat is not different from any other sport as the competitions are intended to hurt each other at the end of day. And in either case, one is bound to be hurt. Reflecting on the same, he stated, “Idk it’s the hurt business. We all in the hurt business. This is just a different form of hurt game. Nothing is guaranteed. Somebody might get knocked out in 8 seconds. Nothing is guaranteed.”

It would be fair to say that Tyson is far from being intimidated and is open for the contest. Given his ferocious style of fighting and larger-than-life aura, his potential bout in BKFC would be a spectacle for the ages. Will it take place? Only time can reveal. Until then, let’s dive in on him talking about competing in the squared circle at his age.

Tyson gets candid about fighting post retirement

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The former Heavyweight champion misses competing and is eager to get back. In an episode of his podcast, he was asked about making a comeback again. In response, he admitted he has a vehement desire for the same but is unsure of his capabilities. He stated, “Hell I can always fight, I don’t know how good Imma do.

Tyson’s comments are only a testament to the passion he possess for the sport. There is a substantial section of the boxing world who would be eager to see him compete. However, on the contrary, many would want him to stay safe and enjoy his retirement. So we ask you, would like to see him make a return again? Would you want it to be in BKFC? Share with us your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.

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Written by:

Harddit Bedi

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Harddit Bedi is a passionate Boxing writer at EssentiallySports, who specializes in covering the off-court drama of athletes. He has a keen interest in the untold stories of boxers. Harddit is a firm believer in the primal nature of boxing, which he views as the oldest and most fundamental sport known to mankind.
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Edited by:

Snigdhaa Jaiswal