MIKE TYSON had agreed a comeback with veteran wrestling star Bob Sapp – before he put pen to paper on his multi-million deal to take on Roy Jones Jr.
Iron Mike, who was smoking a huge joint when he agreed his comeback against Jones Jr, was set to take on Sapp.
Former NFL star Sapp, who moved into cage fighting before taking to the world of wrestling, was set to take on the Baddest Man on the Planet – after Tyson’s brother-in-law convinced him.
That gave Tyson the idea that making a comeback in the boxing ring at 54 could be a money-spinner.
Tyson told TMZ: ” My brother-in-law said: “Listen, I know you don’t wanna fight, but would you fight Bob Sapp?
“Somebody wants to offer you a lot of money to fight Bob Sapp.
“I said, ‘get outta here, I told people I don’t fight no more’.
“Then my mind went ‘ding! – What are the actual rules they want to fight under? Will they box me under the Marquis of Queensberry?’
“They said yes and I said, yes I’ll fight him.”
American Sapp, who played for the Minnesota Vikings NFL team, has spent much of his fighting career in Japan.
After Tyson announced his comeback during the coronavirus lockdown, many stepped forward to take on the former undisputed heavyweight champion.
Evander Holyfield was tipped to take on Iron Mike and make it a trilogy against the man who bit part of his ear off.
Tyson Fury also wanted to face the man he was named after.
But Tyson has agreed to take on former champion Jones Jr on September 12.
It will be held over eight rounds in an exhibition match in California – but if one suffers a cut the fight will be stopped.
Jones Jr has been called by many boxing fans as the greatest pound-for-pound pugilist of all time.
Anthony Joshua has praised Tyson, who has looked in incredible condition for a man of his age.
He has been working hard in the gym since April to get into super-fit shape – and lost SIX STONE.
