Reports have surfaced debunking the recent rumors that boxing icon Mike Tyson is in talks to fight MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko. Contrary to speculation, no such negotiations are underway.
The rumor mill began churning when the "Home of Fight" Twitter account claimed that Tyson and Emelianenko had agreed to a boxing match and were seeking an organizer. This announcement stirred excitement and nostalgia among fight fans.
???? Fedor Emelianenko and Mike Tyson have agreed to a boxing match. They are searching for an organization that can facilitate the fight.
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) January 24, 2024
Source: Fedor himself. pic.twitter.com/iMrB7S87UV
However, sports reporter Chisanga Malata from Sun Sport addressed these claims directly on Twitter: "EXCLUSIVE Contrary to reports, Mike Tyson is NOT in negotiations to box MMA icon Fedor Emelianenko in Saudi. His reps told me today: 'This is false. Mr. Tyson has not spoken to anyone in his camp. He is not interested in doing a fight with him now or in the future.'" For further information check out Malata’s official report below:
????EXCLUSIVE????
— Chisanga Malata (@Chisanga_Malata) January 25, 2024
Contrary to reports, Mike Tyson is NOT in negotiations to box MMA icon Fedor Emelianenko in Saudi.
His reps told me today: "This is false.
"Mr. Tyson has not spoken to anyone in his camp.
"He is not interested in doing a fight with him now or in the future." pic.twitter.com/0AukBjNKVc
In parsing through these details, it's clear that Mike Tyson shows no interest in fighting Emelianenko—refuting any rumors alleging otherwise. While fans may have previously thrilled at such prospects following Tyson's controversial draw with Roy Jones Jr., the current narrative laid out by credible sources clarifies that such anticipations are unfounded.
Mike Tyson made a heralded return to boxing in November 2020, facing Roy Jones Jr. The bout concluded in a draw, though many believed Tyson deserved the victory. This event marked Tyson's first appearance since his defeat at the hands of Kevin McBride in May 2005, post which he retired.
Fedor Emelianenko, on his end, was last seen fighting in February 2023 where he suffered a first-round knockout loss to Ryan Bader under the Bellator organization. It was a retirement fight for Emelianenko, who was honored by fellow MMA pioneers during his farewell.
