Fury Reveals Tyson Wanted $500 Million For Exhibition Match

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Looks like UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones isn’t the only combat superstar linked to a potential clash with legendary boxer Mike Tyson.

According to current WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, a potential clash with “Iron Mike” inside of the boxing ring was recently discussed. However, Tyson was asking for an insane amount of money to fight “Gypsy King” in his comeback bout.

“There was talk of it. I was contacted by Mike Tyson’s people and me and Mike had a phone call. It was definitely real but nothing ever materialized with it,” Fury told IFL TV. “They was offering the money to Mike, and they came back and offered us like peanuts completely. Mike Tyson was talking to me like $500 million. What came back to us on paper was like okay this has got to be a joke, someone is crazy. Nothing ever happened, nothing materialized. I did have the offer on the table from ESPN of $10 million to do the fight like an exhibition. It was what it was, I think everyone’s moved on.”

Fury, 31, is coming off a sensational rematch against heavyweight knockout artist Deontay Wilder back in February in which “Gypsy King” won via seventh-round TKO (highlights HERE). The victory cemented Fury as the best heavyweight boxer in the sport today and one of the most transcendent stars the division has seen in years. If there was ever a time to cash in on his momentum and score a massive payday opposite “Iron Mike” it would be now.

That said, Fury knows a clash with Tyson isn’t the best look for a heavyweight champion in his prime. In fact, the towering Englishman views the matchup as a “lose-lose” situation.

“For me, I would have just loved to share the ring with Mike Tyson just have a little move around with him. But, you are damned if you do and damned if you don’t. Mike Tyson is looking fit and sharp and I’m sure could still knock a wall down,” he continued. “If he hits me with a few shots people will say Tyson Fury is no good and a 53-year-old man beat him up. But if I wallop Mike in the first round then whatever I’m a bully. So, it’s a lose-lose situation for me. I might be gaining some money but it’s money that I don’t need to gain from fighting a man who is past his best.”

While a clash between both Tyson’s would have been tremendous to watch it’s probably for the best that nothing materialized. Tyson hasn’t competed inside of the ring since 2005 and the size advantage for Fury would be beyond comical. Even though Tyson has looked dangerous in recent training videos he probably couldn’t even reach Fury’s chin to land a punch.

If Fury is off the table for now, who should Tyson fight in his return to boxing? And is $500 million too much for a Mike Tyson comeback?

Sound off!

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