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MMA Legend Tito Ortiz Confirms Talks Are Underway To Fight Mike Tyson, Says It'll Double Mayweather Vs. McGregor Numbers

MMA Legend Tito Ortiz Confirms Talks Are Underway To Fight Mike Tyson, Says It'll Double Mayweather Vs. McGregor Numbers

Ortiz is interested in facing the returning boxing icon.

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar

Tito Ortiz confirms talks are underway to fight Mike Tyson and says the potential bout could "double" the Mayweather vs. McGregor numbers.

Ortiz, 45, called for a showdown with Tyson, 53, on social media as the former heavyweight world champion eyes a sensational return to the ring.

And it appears a meeting between the two legendary combat fighters is in the works after the ex-UFC champion revealed that Tyson's people have been in touch about a fight.

Speaking to TMZ, Ortiz said: "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.'

"I'm not sure if it's going to be MMA or boxing yet. I haven't even gotten that far. We both have got to be cleared by the athletic commissions. That's the biggest thing. Either one. I've been boxing for 20 years. My boxing skills have gotten better and better. They may not be at the same level as Tyson, but has Tyson been punched in the face in the last 15 years? No he hasn't. I have been. I've been able to subdue everyone I've competed against over the last four years."

Image: PA
Image: PA

Ortiz continued by saying that a contest against Tyson could smash the numbers generated from Mayweather vs. McGregor.

"You know what Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather did? I think we could double that," he added. "It'd be amazing. It'd be fun. It'd be a great opportunity for both of our brands. The hard work that pays off, the person's hand will get raised. Everyone knows me as being a hard worker.

"I respect Mike. Mike is an amazing man. He's an amazing individual in general, just what he's gone through and what he's (become). I've got to give him nothing but respect. I'm not trying to disrespect him at all with anything I say this point out on. I really want to let him know, hey Mike, you are the man. You are one of the best in the world. But I was one of the best in the world at my own game, too.

"...Well, do you think Evander Holyfield stepped up and said, 'That's Mike Tyson. I'm going to be afraid of him. I'm not going to be able to tire him out and knock him out in the seventh or eighth round?' No, it's all a game plan."

Tyson vs. Ortiz? Watch this space.

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Mike Tyson, UFC News, Boxing, Fight News, UFC, MMA

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado, and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Darren Till, Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

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