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Eddie Hearn Says Mike Tyson's Comeback Could Be 'An Absolute Disaster'

Eddie Hearn Says Mike Tyson's Comeback Could Be 'An Absolute Disaster'

Not everyone is convinced that the eight round exhibition bout will live up to the hype.

Max Sherry

Max Sherry

Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has warned that Mike Tyson's long-awaited return to the ring could be "an absolute disaster".

54-year-old Tyson is set to go toe-to-toe former world champion Roy Jones Jr in California on September 12 in an event that will undoubtedly capture global attention from die-hard fight fans and avid sports supporters alike.

Mike Tyson hasn't fought since 2005.
PA

It will be the first time 'Iron Mike' has officially laced up gloves in over 15 years, but not everyone is convinced that the eight round exhibition bout will live up to the hype.

Renowned boxing promoter Hearn - who is most famous for working closely with current heavyweight champ Anthony Joshua - is skeptical that the fight could be stopped prematurely after the California State Athletic Commission warned that neither fighter should be looking for a knockout blow.

"The Commission has said they can't do it [go for a knockout]. Can you imagine? Tyson comes out and goes for it and the commissioner [waves] if off. That's an absolute disaster," Hearn said.

"I'm never comfortable with an exhibition bout? Because what are you getting, what are you actually paying for? This shouldn't happen, but I'd rather they went at it hammer and tong. I'd buy that. I don't think it's ethically right or good for boxing but I would probably buy that. I don't think you're going to buy an exhibition.

"What are they going to do? Mess around after a round or do an interview mid-round? Sky got approached [to air the event]. They spoke to me about it. I'm not saying they won't take it. You could be a round or two in going 'Oh my God, what is this?' I would rather they went in and tried to take each other's head off. Like I said, ethically, that wouldn't be right either but I'd prefer that."

Roy Jones Jr takes on Joe Calzaghe in 2008.
PA

Tyson hasn't fought since his loss to Kevin McBride back in 2005, while 51-year-old Jones Jr only retired two years ago.

But after scary footage emerged online of global icon Tyson hitting the heavy bag and training like a man possessed, it left fight fans wondering whether a historical comeback was genuinely on the cards.

Now, it appears those questions have been answered with both Tyson and Jones Jr having already signed on the dotted line.

While some are eager to see how the event unfolds, others (such as Matchroom promoter Hearn and plenty of other high-profile combat sports personalities) aren't as excited.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Mike Tyson, Roy Jones Jr, Boxing, Eddie Hearn, Australia