By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing
UFC Hall of Famer Tito Ortiz, 45, says he’s been asked if he was interested in a charity contest with Mike Tyson. “I was watching Mike Tyson hit pads with one of my old trainers Rafael Cordeiro. And Tyson looked like the old Tyson, fast and speed and powerful. I was like, ‘Wow, Tyson’s going to make a comeback?’ All of a sudden two days later I get a phone call and someone started asking me, ‘What do you think about fighting Mike Tyson?’ I was like, ‘Really?’ This is the opportunity of my life. I’m in,” Ortiz said to TMZ Sports.
“I’m not sure if it’s going to be MMA or boxing yet. I haven’t even got that far. I think that we both have to be cleared by the athletic commissions.
“But, either or, I’ve been boxing for 20 years and my boxing skills have gotten better and better. I mean they may not be at the same level of Tyson, but has Tyson been punched in the face in the last 15 years? No he hasn’t. I have and I’ve been able to subdue everyone I’ve competed against in the last few years.”
I knew it – it was always going to be a crossover fight – look at McGregor v Mayweather the biggest fight in history – generated billions. Tito might be too primed for a 50+ iron man Tyson, but a fight that would be the MMA boxing cross overs answer to Gatti Ward would have to be Ken Shamrock v Mike Tyson. Tyson is 1-1 with Irish heavyweights- he controversially defeated the Hurricane McNeely before being battered by McBride. Shamrock a hall of fame MMA icon would be a great match up – the great white hope v the baddest man on the planet – bringing it back to the 80’s. Crazier things have happened. He needs an easy first fight back before he fights for the title.
Never seen a comment with so many unanimous thumbs down. Amazing!!! I wonder what they didnt like 🙂
Looks like you’re next haha.
LOL! Ortiz forgot to mention the call was made by a relative. I received a call too Tito.
a 4 rounder would be good
Let’s not forget, Ortiz has one thing up on Tyson. Ortiz was married to a porn star names Jenna Jameson. Not too many people can say they were married to a professional porn star.
It would foolish to think Mike was not banging porn stars back in the 80’s – he just didn’t marry em . (Scored Robin Givens instead )
Hate to bring this one up, but we can add the name Desiree Washington to his list. That name costed him a jail sentence.
Oh Tito, ur boxing might have improved BUT guaranteed it is nowhere near Tysons. And dont be stupid saying ur not sure if its going to be MMA or boxing. Of course its boxing u half witt. Tyson is a boxer and he is the draw, ur jus someone trying to make a descent paycheck for once. im seeing a trend of MMA fighters trying to jump ship into the boxing world and then say “well, lets do some MMA too”. If u want to fight a boxer, then expect to box or dont come over.
All I have to say is WTF can tito do to Tyson in a boxing ring!