Boxing: Mike Tyson hints at boxing return

Mike Tyson. Photo / Getty Images

He may not be interested in fighting Sonny Bill Williams but American boxing legend Mike Tyson has hinted at a return to the sport.

Tyson first sparked chatter about a potential comeback after wowing fans in a ferocious sparring session in a video that went viral.

The 53-year-old, who hasn't entered the ring as a professional in 15 years, has posted another impressive sparring video on social media before saying "I'm back".

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Tyson has yet to announce any plans to return to fight again, though he did suggest in a previous Instagram post he might make himself available for 3 or 4-round exhibitions if the price was right.

That sparked interest from Australian boxing promoter Brian Amatruda who was keen to get Tyson downunder for a charity bout against one of several sports stars, including former All Black Williams – with reports that an offer of $1 million was on the table.

Amatruda has promoted cards featuring the likes of Danny Green, Lucas Browne and Anthony Mundine, and said several of the part-time boxers who bring in big audiences in Australia – including Williams, NRL legend Paul Gallen and AFL great Barry Hall – would fill Australian arenas if paired up against Tyson.

Sydney promoter Max Markson told The Daily Telegraph that Tyson got in touch via email and it was a no to the offer from Amatruda.

"Mike felt it would be an insult to boxing if he fought a footballer," Markson said.

"He doesn't have any interest in coming to Australia at the moment – plus, there is no international travel anyway because of the coronavirus – but said if anything changes I'll be the first to know."

Tyson's first video showing him hitting mitts in a gym not only generated more than 9 million views in just a few days but also some buzz about just what the aging former champion might have left.

"He hasn't hit mitts for almost 10 years. So I didn't expect to see what I saw," trainer Rafael Cordeiro told ESPN. "I saw a guy with the same speed, same power as guys 21, 22 years old.

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