Boxing legend Mike Tyson is considering a surprising showdown with Anthony Joshua, expressing his interest in a charity bout during a recent interview. The former undisputed heavyweight champion, preparing for his comeback fight against Jake Paul in November, shared his aspirations to step into the ring with Joshua for a good cause.
Tyson, 57, last fought in a Covid-affected exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr. in November 2020. Now, he aims to face Joshua in a charity event, stating to TMZ, “I’m very interested. If doing that means we can have a bigger charity exponent, well so be it, I’m down to do that, too. I would love to (fight Joshua). That would be mind-blowing.”
Before any potential clash with Joshua, Tyson must overcome YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, who at 31 years younger, poses a significant age difference challenge.
Meanwhile, Joshua, the former two-time unified heavyweight champion, expressed concern for Tyson’s well-being, acknowledging his age. During an appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show, Joshua, 34, stated, “He’s (Mike Tyson) older now. I pray that he comes out healthy. I think Jake Paul because of youth – that’s the only thing.”
The announcement of Tyson’s upcoming bout with Paul has sparked controversy within the boxing community, with critics voicing displeasure. However, Joshua surprisingly supports Paul’s approach of attracting new fans to boxing through gimmick-driven fights.
“I personally think it’s really good,” Joshua commented. “I think the boxing hardcores, they don’t like it because they think, ‘Why are they disrespecting our sport?’ But I think that person brings all these people into boxing which benefits everyone else. Everyone viewing helps.”
