[autotag]Tito Ortiz[/autotag] has competed against numerous combat sports legends, but his next fight might be against the biggest name of them all.
In a recent interview with TMZ, Ortiz said he recently was contacted about the prospect of being Mike Tyson’s opponent for the boxing great’s anticipated combat sports return. Ortiz did not specify who exactly reached out to him, but said he’s interested.
“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,'” Ortiz said.
When pressed on the details, Ortiz said he didn’t have them yet. The fight could be in either boxing or MMA – Ortiz said he’d be confident in either. However, the main focus is making sure an athletic commission will clear them to compete.
“I’m not sure if it’s going to be MMA or boxing yet,” Ortiz said. “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.”
How much of a draw would the next installment of MMA legend vs. boxing legend be? Ortiz estimates a fight against Tyson could double the numbers Floyd Mayweather pulled off when he boxed Conor McGregor in 2017.
“You know what Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather did?” Ortiz said. “I think we could double that. 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.”
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One point Ortiz tried to drive home – he has a lot of respect for Tyson. Regardless of the respect however, Ortiz said he believes he would win.
“I respect Mike,” Ortiz said. “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.”
Ortiz, 45, has not competed in MMA since this past December. A former UFC light heavyweight champion, Ortiz has retired on multiple occasions, but has said he’d leave his options open for major opportunities.
Meanwhile, Tyson, 53, has not boxed in a professional match since 2005. In May, the former WBC, WBA and IBF champion announced his return to competition.
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