MIKE TYSON has been slammed by fellow boxing legend Julio Cesar Chavez for stealing the limelight from Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.
The Baddest Man on the Planet will make his highly-anticipated comeback aged 54 when he battles Roy Jones Jr in an exhibition bout on September 12.
That day is close to Mexican Independence Day and is a regular fight night date in the diary for the pound-for-pound king Canelo.
The 30-year-old star, from Guadalajara, Mexico, is currently considering his next opponent for six weeks’ time for his WBC Franchise Title defence.
But his fellow countryman and former opponent Chavez, also 58, feels “sick” that Iron Mike has moved in and taken the spotlight from Canelo for the Mexican celebrations.
The former three-weight world champ told ESPN: “I did not like what happened.
“With all due respect, Mike Tyson fights in an exhibition and Canelo is a serious fight.
“Mike Tyson is grabbing the date of all Mexicans and the truth is I did not want him to take it.
“I think that date belongs to Mexico, it belonged to Canelo right now.
“It made me very sick to see Tyson take that role and compete with Canelo. It really is not worth it.”
On the actual fight itself, Chavez resisted the temptation to have a go – despite being offered the opportunity to be part of Tyson’s big night himself.
Although the veteran is also going to climb back between the ropes against fellow multi-champion Jorge Acre on September 25 for an exhibition clash.
That event is designed so his sons Julio Cesar Jr. and Omar can walk to the ring together – while Tyson could bank close to £40m for his comeback with PPV prices at £39.
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Chavez added: “Look, as long as they are fit and in good health, everyone is welcome to fight.
“If it is for a noble cause. Well, and if not, also.
“Everyone knows what they are doing, but the truth is Tyson looks great.
“He had spoken to me to fight in his role with an exhibition but I did not want to accept it. Each to their own.”
