Mike Tyson’s Rumored Opponent Questions Boxer’s ‘Guts’ To Fight Him

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One of Mike Tyson’s rumored opponents for his return said the fight will happen if “Iron Mike” has the guts to fight him.

Aside from a trilogy fight with Evander Holyfield, Tyson has also been linked to several names in MMA. After being called-out by UFC Hall of Famer Tito Ortiz, recent reports claim that Tyson was offered to fight MMA icon Wanderlei Silva in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC).

Silva is a Brazilian fighter who had the best days of his career with “Pride” (a former Japan-based fight promotion bought by UFC in 2007). He had a short stint with Bellator and is one of the biggest stars of BKFC. Silva is now one of Tyson’s rumored comeback opponent.

In a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Silva finally revealed how the offer to fight Tyson started. According to the 44-year-old, BKFC President David Feldman said he is the perfect opponent for someone as big as “Iron Mike.” Silva revealed Feldman formally asked him if he had the guts to fight the resurgent Tyson with no gloves. “The Axe Murderer” quickly responded that the question about “guts” is for Tyson and not him.

“He (Feldman) asked me if I would agree to fight Mike Tyson, if I had the guts to fight Mike Tyson with no gloves. [I said], ‘Look, first you have to ask Tyson if he has the guts to fight me without gloves.’ I was a world champion (in MMA), [and] I fought with bare hands before, and he never did. I think it would be a memorable fight,” Silva revealed.

Mike Tyson admitted this weekend that he’s lied about his recent sobriety. Photo: Reuters/Mario Anzuoni

The Brazilian also predicted that him and Tyson could generate even more money than record-breaking Floyd Mayweather fights. As for how he would match with Tyson, Silva emphasized that despite their age, they are still both “mentally and physically” in great form.

“He’s aggressive and so am I; I’m in great shape both mentally and physically, so it has everything to be a great show for everyone.”

BKFC said their offer to Tyson will exceed $20 million. However, prior to Silva’s claims about the offer, his coach, Rafael Cordeiro, told Sherdog (via BJPenn.com) that he never heard anything about the Tyson vs. Silva fight.

“I didn’t get any calls from Wand or Tyson, but as far as I know that fight won’t happen. Tyson is training to make a boxing fight — with gloves. It is hard to comment about rumors,” Cordeiro said.