Mike Tyson Turns Down $20m Offer For Bare-Knuckle Comeback Fight

Mike Tyson has reportedly turned down a lucrative offer to fight in a bare-knuckle boxing match.

The scary footage of 'Iron Mike' hitting pads and laying into the heavy bag flooded the internet, which plunged die-hard fight fans into meltdown and sparked the question as to whether a historic return is genuinely on the cards.

Let's face it, the video is pretty damn frightening - so it's no wonder a handful of promoters across multiple fight disciplines are desperate to get the 53-year-old to sign on the dotted line.

But it seems Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship president David Feldman is the latest to fall short.

PA

Speaking to Ring TV, Feldman said he had tabled "a very generous offer" for Tyson to sign with the promotion - but the former heavyweight world champ wasn't interested.

"We offered Tyson $20 million and some additional benefits, but he turned it down," he said.

"Who knows what's going to happen with Mike Tyson?

"(His management team) said he was going to fight in July already, but then they said he was going to fight in August, so who knows what's going to happen with him."

Since returning to training, the former Heavyweight world champ told his social media following: "The gods of war have reawakened me. They've ignited my ego and want me to go to war again."

Talks of a mega-money return fight has plucky amateurs and seasoned pros chomping at the bit to step into the ring with the man simply known as 'Iron Mike'.

While potential punch bags include Aussie sporting greats Paul Gallen and Barry Hall, it appears a more serious opponent could come in the form of a former UFC champion.

According to MMA Junkie, ex-Light Heavyweight king Tito Ortiz has been 'contacted' about a potential bout with Tyson.

"I got a phone call and someone started asking me, 'What do you think about fighting Mike Tyson?' I was like, 'Really?' This is an opportunity that I like. I'm in,'" Ortiz said.

Either way, it appears the brutal and gritty nature of bareknuckle fighting doesn't tickle Tyson's fancy - even if lacing up MMA mits or 12ounce boxing gloves at the ripe old of 53 does.

Topics: Mike Tyson, Boxing, UFC, Australia

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry