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Tito Ortiz claims he’s been contacted to fight Mike Tyson, believes it would double Mayweather-McGregor numbers
Tito Ortiz says he’s been approached to fight Mike Tyson and anticipates it being one of the biggest fights of all-time.
Recently, Tyson has taken to social media to show off videos of him training saying he will be back. Immediately, people thought it would be for the Evander Holyfield trilogy or perhaps going to BKFC. But, Ortiz says he got a phone call by their reps to gauge his interest in the bout.
“I got a phone call, and someone started asking me, ‘What do you think about fighting Mike Tyson?’ I was like, ‘Really?’ This is an opportunity that I like. I’m in,'” Ortiz said to TMZ.
Whether the fight would be in MMA or boxing, Tito Ortiz says he doesn’t know yet. But he says his boxing skills have vastly improved while Tyson hasn’t been training for years.
“I’m not sure if it’s going to be MMA or boxing yet,” Ortiz said. “I haven’t even gotten that far. We both have got to be cleared by the athletic commissions. That’s the biggest thing. Either one. I’ve been boxing for 20 years. My boxing skills have gotten better and better. They may not be at the same level as Tyson, but has Tyson been punched in the face in the last 15 years? No, he hasn’t. I have been. I’ve been able to subdue everyone I’ve competed against over the last four years.”
There is no question many would be interested in seeing Mike Tyson return but against Tito Ortiz is the question. Yet, the former UFC champion says it would double what Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather did.
“You know what Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather did?” Ortiz said. “I think we could double that. It’d be amazing, it’d be fun. It’d be a great opportunity for both of our brands. The hard work that pays off, the person’s hand will get raised. Everyone knows me as being a hard worker.”
In the end, Tito Ortiz says he respects Mike Tyson but is confident he’ll get his hand raised.
“I respect Mike,” Ortiz said. “Mike is an amazing man. He’s an amazing individual in general, just what he’s gone through and what he’s [become]. I’ve got to give him nothing but respect. I’m not trying to disrespect him at all with anything I say this point out on. I really want to let him know, hey Mike, you are the man. You are one of the best in the world. But I was one of the best in the world at my own game, too.
“Well, do you think Evander Holyfield stepped up and said, ‘That’s Mike Tyson. I’m going to be afraid of him. I’m not going to be able to tire him out and knock him out in the seventh or eighth round?’ No, it’s all a game plan.”
