By Geno McGahee
In the 1990s, the “Mike Tyson Sweepstakes” was in full gear. Despite the fear that the opponent would have, the paycheck that they’d receive would make them quite rich. As things change, they stay the same, and with the comeback of Iron Mike imminent, many men have come forward to lay down the challenge. The latest is Ken Shamrock.
Shamrock, 56, was one of the most notable MMA superstars in the infancy of the UFC. He had a memorable run that led to a career in the WWE. He’s made a few returns to the cage in recent years but they were not successful, including an embarrassing loss to Kimbo Slice. He has now taken aim at the returning Tyson, noting that he would “be perfect” for him.
The recent videos of Iron Mike have been impressive and he has noted that a stem cell procedure has made him the Tyson of old. It’s easy to believe it, watching him hit the mitts. A third fight with Evander Holyfield seems like the frontrunner, but Shannon Briggs, Tito Ortiz and the father of Tyson Fury have all tried to lure Tyson into a fight.
Shamrock’s only chance against Tyson would be in the cage, but that’s not happening. It would be a boxing match and if Iron Mike wanted an easy first round stoppage as his comeback, this would be it, but the fans want to see Holyfield again.
As everything returns, boxing will come back again and Tyson, unbelievably, will be lacing up the gloves again. It’s a testament to the charisma and skill of Mike for him to still be headline news for a boxing return.
