ESPN.com's Dan Rafael is reporting that former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson will begin his world exhibition tour on October 20th in Youngstown, Ohio.
The first opponent on "Mike Tyson's World Tour" (catchy name, isn't it?) will be his long-time sparring partner, DC's own Corey "T-Rex" Sanders. They will box in a four-round exhibition, according to Tyson's promoter, Sterling McPherson.
McPherson told ESPN.com that this will be the first of as many as 12 four-round exhibitions that Tyson has agreed to take place in.
Tyson, of course, finished his career right here in DC when he lost to Kevin McBride on June 11, 2005 at Verizon Center.
The 31-year-old, 6'6" Sanders finished his career (23-10, 15 KO's) in 2004 after repeated problems with an eye injury that originally took place in perhaps his most-remembered performance, a 10-round unanimous decision loss to Andrew Golota in Atlantic City on July 21, 1998.
Despite the injury, Sanders won seven straight bouts. That streak was capped by an eight-round technical knockout over current WBC Heavyweight champion Oleg Maskaev on March 17, 2002.
Since he completed his career, Sanders has been a well-known sparring partner for many throughout the sport, including Tyson who worked with Sanders for the McBride fight.
Just thought I'd let you know: McPherson told ESPN.com that this is apparently going to be a PAY-PER-VIEW "event" that you can buy for $29.95. The card will also feature sanctioned boxing matches, including the return of former lightweight champion Paul Spadafora.
Ya may think Im crazy, but I still truely believe that if Tyson wanted it he would sweep the Heavyweight division once again. If he really wanted it, and really trained, and not just fighting for the money.
ReplyDeleteBull
If T-REX had to retire because of eye damage how can he box an exhibition? You still have to be licensed don't you Gary?
ReplyDeleteAnonymous:
ReplyDeleteTo tell you the truth, I'm not sure what the rules are for something like this.
This is nothing but a glorified sparring session anyway and it doesn't look like it is sanctioned by anyone, so licensing may not be an issue.
Gary is right about it not having to be sanctioned. I have to be honest, I would rather Mike do this then all that talk about him being in porno movies. Also, I still think we are going to see a Mike Tyson reality show which I think could do great numbers.
ReplyDeleteOhh, boy...This...Is just kind of...Pathetic.
ReplyDeleteThat's all I can really say here folks.
;-(
i agree, a tyson reality show would do well...
ReplyDeletehe is one of the most intriguing figures of our time. he has been making headlines good or bad for 20 years now. if he blows his nose in public, it's a headline.. LOL
People Corey is blind in one eye is he crazy or just stupid and they are going to let work with Mike Tyson come T REX it's not worth it. Mike has resulted to this.Thas pathetic.
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