"Well, I don't know. I'm not really considering doing that and stuff, you know? I'm so fat and out of shape, so if this guy is going to pay for my training team, if he's going to pay me for my training team, my training team costs a lot of money. God dang. I need a lot minerals and stuff and vitamins. That stuff costs a lot of money. Anything's possible," stated former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson as he talked about the possibility of returning to the ring. Tyson was all smiles standing alongside Don King as he spoke with Showtime's Jim Gray.
Yesterday, the legendary promoter made the announcement that the two had reunited as Tyson agreed to join the broadcast team for King's "Halloween Thrilla" card. Prior to the main event starting, Jim Gray took the opportunity to do an impromput interview with Tyson and King, harkening back to the days when Tyson fought exclusively on Showtime after his return from prison. Although Gray began the interview discussing Tyson's current life outside of the ring, he quickly reminded both men that George Foreman won a championship at the age of 45. When he asked about the possibility of a return, Tyson replied, "Anything's possible. I don't see it happening, but anything's possible. This guy is capable of making a lot of things happen. I don't see it happening, but you never know with this guy."
Having last fought in June of 2005, it seems hard to believe that Tyson would actually consider making a comeback, but neither Tyson nor King ruled out the possibility. In fact, King actually believes that Tyson could still be fighting if given the opportunity. "I think Mike's one of the greatest fighters that ever lived. I think he can still be a fighter if he wanted to be a fighter," King remarked when asked if he would be willing to support a Tyson comeback. "Listen, whatever it is between Mike, it ain't about the bankroll. We gonna do what has to be done. You know what Mike needs. He needs a lot of vitamins, he needs a lot of things there, he needs a lot of TLC, tender lovin' care; a lot of dedication, focus and discipline, so whatever we have to do, we'll do. This is Mike Tyson," he continued.
In a sense, it was gratifying and yet disturbing to see Tyson smiling side-by-side with King again. The former champion certainly looked happy as he joked around with Gray and King , but one has to wonder if there's more to this reunion than meets the eye? Personally, I truly hope that both Tyson and King were providing a trick for boxing fans on this Halloween night. That being said, if Tyson were to make a comeback, I have a funny feeling that a lot of fans would still be willing to pay to see him fight.
I've said it before and I'll say it again...Tyson vs. Holyfield 3 is still the biggest heavyweight fight that can be made. It's sad, but true. Heck, I bet some of you would even pay to see Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr. Before any of that happens though, Tyson would be wise to take a safe tune-up. I'm thinking Kimbo Slice would be the perfect opponent...in fact, I'll go out on a limb and say that fight would do more pay-per-view buys than Mayweather vs. Pacquiao. You can laugh if you want, but you know you'd watch it. It may sound ridiculous...about as ridiculous as a Tyson comeback sounds in the first place...but I guarnatee you somebody is already thinking of that possibility.
Just so we're clear though, personally, I do NOT want to see Mike Tyson fighting again.
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