Mike Tyson's Comeback Opponent Has Been Named, And It's A Shark

Mike Tyson will make his comeback, taking on a shark called Jaws, at the beginning of the Discovery channel's Shark Week.

The former heavyweight champion of the world got everyone excited a few months ago at talk of a comeback for some exhibition fights, but no one would have guessed he meant underwater.

Tyson is set to take part in a programme called 'Tyson vs. Jaws: Rumble on the Reef ' at the beginning of August and the shows him getting ready for the fight, including lifting a shark cage.

Michael Buffer is set to be part of the show, presumably introducing the two competitors, as the 'Baddest Man on the Planet will apparently try to score a TKO against a big shark.

According to Discovery it's 'all in the name of science' and no sharks were actually harmed during the filming, which suggests that Jaws is going to beat Tyson.

Speaking about the show, the retired boxer said, "I took on this challenger to overcome fears I still deal with in life. I equate this with overcoming my fear of getting back into the ring at 54 years old. I learned from this experience doing Shark Week that whatever intimidates me, I am still able to step up to the challenge of overcoming anything that would prevent me from accomplishing my life's mission of reaching my highest potential in life and bringing me closer to God."

Iron Mike became the youngest ever heavyweight champion at the age of 20 years and four months in 1986. He was the most feared fighter in the division and reached a record of 37-0, before losing in a shock to Buster Douglas.

He eventually won a version of the world title back in 1996, beating Frank Bruno, but his aura and form fell away after back-to-back defeats with Evander Holyfield, including the infamous bite fight.

Tyson takes in Tyson Fury's victory over Deontay Wilder earlier this year. Image: PA Images

Iron Mike's 'prime years' are usually used in discussions about fantasy fights between current fighters and the two time heavyweight champion, and there's been lots of talk about how the today's best, Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder, would have done against him.

Recent months have focused on how Tyson would get on now, with talk of him potentially facing Holyfield for a third time for his comeback.

We don't think he was talking about a shark when he announced his return to action but at this point it's anyone's guess.

Topics: Heavyweight boxing, Mike Tyson, Boxing News, Boxing, American sports, US Sports, USA

Ryan Sidle

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