The Boxing word is highly abuzz as the legendary “Iron” Mike Tyson prepares to step inside the ring again. The 53-year-old made his comeback official a few weeks ago.
The former WBA titleholder aims to fight in a few exhibition matches in order to raise money for charity. However, this does not mean that he will fight easy fights.
As soon as he announced his return, promoters from all over the globe saw an opportunity to make money. Thus, Tyson is receiving staggering offers every day.
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One of the offers made to Tyson was by Australian promoter Brian Amatruda. The offer comes with an astounding seven-figure paycheck.
Brian proposed that Mike take part in exhibition fights with the New Zealand professional rugby league footballer, Sonny Bill Williams. The list of fighters that Mik could choose from also contained names of NRL hero Paul Gallen and AFL great Barry Hall.
Of course, as an added benefit, Mike would fight on the Australian turf. Brian even contacted Max Markson, the celebrity agent who brought Tyson to Australia back in 2012, in order to increase the chances of the event.
Yet, it seems like the offer, however huge it may be, didn’t sit quite well with Mike Tyson.
Why did Mike Tyson reject the offer to fight Sonny Bill Williams?
Mike Tyson received reports of the offer. And as soon as he did, his agents reached out to Armatruda, informing him that Tyson is not interested in his offer.
The reason they gave is pretty convincing, and as a matter of fact, respectable in Mike’s position as a professional boxer.
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Apparently, Mike did away with the idea because of the potential opponents that were pitted against him. He feels that going up against Rugby players, even though he’s fighting exhibition matches, will be an insult to professional boxing.
Reportedly, here is what the message from his agents in response to Brian said:
“Mike read the story (in the Daily Mail) that he would be fighting a rugby player. He has said he would not do that as it would be an insult to boxing. He says if he does get back into the ring it will be with a real boxer.” ~ Courtesy- BoxingScene.com
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What do you have to say about Mike’s decision?
Also read: “He’s a F***ing Animal!”- Mike Tyson Names the Boxers he Admires