Mike Tyson made a significant demand from Tyson Fury in a phone call which ultimately led to negotiations collapsing. The former unified world heavyweight champion asked for a staggering $500 million (£385 million) for an exhibition bout between the two boxing legends. Fury, also known as ‘The Gypsy King’, shared that discussions were ongoing for the potential match following his victory over Deontay Wilder. The offer of facing his namesake, who greatly influenced his boxing journey, excited Fury. However, despite his eagerness, the fight never came to fruition as ‘Iron’ Mike opted to face Roy Jones Jr in an exhibition match in November 2020 instead.
At 58 years old, Tyson is now preparing to come out of retirement for an eight-round bout against Jake Paul on November 15. In a reveal to iFL TV, Fury disclosed the financial disagreements that prevented the bout between him and Tyson from happening. Despite the talks being real, the financial offer presented to Fury fell far short of Tyson’s $500 million expectations. Fury did receive a $10 million offer from ESPN for the exhibition fight, but ultimately, the match did not materialize.
The potential matchup between the two heavyweight champions would have been a spectacle for fans, offering a rare chance to see boxers from different eras clash. With Tyson Fury’s undefeated record at the time the rumours started, the excitement surrounding the fight was palpable. As Tyson gears up for his upcoming fight with Jake Paul, many are speculating whether this could mark his final appearance in the ring or if he will continue to pursue matches with current top heavyweights or revisit past rivalries.
Throughout the saga of negotiations and missed opportunities, the boxing world has been buzzing with excitement. Fans had been eagerly anticipating the clash between the two Tysons, which would have undoubtedly been a historic event in the sport. While Tyson’s return to the ring is generating interest, the allure of a bout between the two heavyweight champions remains a tantalising thought.
In conclusion, the potential matchup between Tyson Fury and Mike Tyson showcased the ongoing drama and negotiations in the world of boxing. Despite the financial hurdles that prevented the fight from happening, the excitement and anticipation for such a historic event continue to linger among boxing enthusiasts. As both fighters carve their paths in the sport, the possibility of a future face-off remains a topic of interest and speculation within the boxing community.