ANTHONY JOSHUA has warned Mike Tyson he doesn’t need to “compete with the young lions” of heavyweight boxing as makes a comeback in the sport.
The former heavyweight champion of the world, now aged 54, will fight fellow ring legend Roy Jones Jr, 51, in an exhibition bout on September 12.
Tyson had teased a sensational return for weeks after uploading extreme training videos on social media.
And in six weeks time that comeback will become a reality.
But current WBA, WBC, IBF and IBO heavyweight King Joshua hopes Iron Mike sticks to the exhibition fights and doesn’t try and hit up the main division.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the 30-year-old said: “You see a clip on social media and you think: ‘He’s back in action, he’s fighting fit.’
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“But it’s like an old-time footballer doing a crossbar challenge!
“Tyson hitting pads with ferocious behaviour is second nature to him. But to someone watching from home? It’s like he’s going to rule the heavyweight division.
“It’s a passion they both love, it’s what they know. Tyson has been fighting since he was 13. Jones’ dad pushed him to be a great.
“It’s all they know. They haven’t got to compete with the young lions of the division. We’re bigger, stronger, science has improved so we have more technology.”
Tyson has undergone a radical body transformation over the last 12 months or so, losing TEN STONE to get back looking lean.
SunSport previously reported how he had ballooned to 27st after retiring, partying and becoming Hollywood star.
And while Joshua wouldn’t want to see the New Yorker mix it with the big guns, he has nothing against the legend lacing the gloves back up.
AJ added: “If Tyson wants to come back and fight someone from his era, for the love of the sport? Crack on.
“I hope it adds value to the sport we love.”
