Tyson Fury reveals why he turned down offer to fight Mike Tyson

The WBC world heavyweight champion is due to face Deontay Wilder before the end of the year

Jack Rathborn
Thursday 25 June 2020 05:33 EDT
Comments
Tyson Fury tells British public to 'listen to Boris and stay at home'

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Tyson Fury has revealed he rejected an offer to fight Mike Tyson, who wanted $500million (£402m) to come out of retirement to face the WBC world heavyweight champion.

Speculation surrounding a sensational return to the ring for Tyson after 15 years in retirement gathered pace over the last month.

Tyson was seen working out and displaying impressive speed and power at 53 years of age, with several videos going viral on social media.

And Fury has now revealed discussions took place surrounding a money-spinning mega fight with the former ‘Baddest Man on the Planet’.

“There was talk of it,” Fury told IFL TV. “I was contacted by Mike Tyson’s people, me and Mike had a face time, a zoom call, we had a phone call, it was definitely real but never materialised.

Fury has great respect for Tyson and his legacy
Fury has great respect for Tyson and his legacy (gypsyking101)

“Whoever was offering the comeback money to Mike offered us peanuts.

“Mike was talking about £500m figures but what came back to us on paper was a joke, it was crazy.

“I did have a $10m offer from ESPN to do the fight as an exhibition but I think everyone has moved on now.”

Fury has labelled Tyson a “living legend” and “modern day gladiator”, but will now switch focus to the third fight with Deontay Wilder.

Promoter Bob Arum has revealed it will likely take place in December.

The Top Rank boss said: “We’re working with venues in Nevada and in Texas to do that Fury vs Wilder some time in December.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in