This week, the news that Wanderlei Silva could be the name to face Mike Tyson The return of the 'Man of Steel' to fighting after more than 10 years of inactivity took over the fighting world. Known worldwide for his victorious history in MMA, the 'Crazy Dog', in conversation with journalist Laerte Viana, exclusively to YouTube channel do SUPER FIGHTS, spoke about the proposal received by the president of 'Bare Kuckle FC'.
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“When they contacted me I said: 'To fight in your event, it has to be an expressive guy, a good guy, around my age and who has a cool name, who is worth all the effort'. And the guy came up with this name (Mike Tyson). Then you came with the cat and the seven of hearts (laughs)”, said Wand.
'Mad Dog' x 'Iron' Mike
Known for having faced big names in mixed martial arts and always promoting shows with a high level of violence, Silva also joked when informing that he was asked if he would fear a confrontation against the boxing legend.
“Firstly, he (David Feldman, president of Bare Knuckle) asked me if I would have the courage to do it. I replied: 'You'd have to ask him (Tyson) if he would have the courage to do it to me, because I've already fought 'dry hand' (without gloves) and he never did it. It would be a great honor for me”, said the Brazilian.
Millionaire fight
In addition to the possibility of seeing two big names in combat sports exchanging forces in a battle arena, another point that caught our attention was the amounts that would have been offered to the fighters for the show to happen. Wanderlei explained that he was also surprised by the amount, something unprecedented even for someone who earned a lot during more than 20 years of career.
“(About the scholarship) that’s what was most surprising. When talking about Mike Tyson, people are already talking about values that, in terms of Brazil, I had never heard of to this extent. They offered US$20 million (around R$108 million) for the Mike Tyson and we can offer you half of that ($10 million, which is approximately R$54,3 million – according to the current dollar exchange rate), plus a small percentage of the pay-per-view. I said: 'Okay. I was sitting doing nothing. We can spend the rest of the year well (laughs)”, joked the athlete.
Is there a scheduled date?
Although there is not even a statement from Tyson about performing for Bare Knuckle, David Feldman and his team are confident that the show can happen later this year. Even without being able to set a date, Silva spoke about what the organization's plans would be for promoting the duel.
“They said it might be in Miami (USA), at the end of the year (2020). But now, with this pandemic (coronavirus) thing, everything is taking a turn,” declared 'Crazy Dog'.
Wand mentor training Tyson
For those who follow Wanderlei's career, you know that the fighter was, throughout his career, trained by the prestigious Rafael Cordeiro, leader of 'Kings MMA'. One of those largely responsible for raising the Brazilian's qualities and taking him to the top of the sport during the early 2000s, it was Silva's master who starred, together with Mike, in the video in which the boxer reappeared practicing the gauntlet.
Silva understands that it is Cordeiro's role to prepare Tyson, but, in an extroverted tone, he tried to 'forbid' that his friend and trainer would be responsible for instructing Mike during the supposed fight.
“They said that Rafael will train him and stay in his corner. I said: 'Train him, you can train him – I'm not there to train with him. I can't stop the guy - but he can't stay in the corner (laughs)”, said Silva, before completing. A friend is a friend, business is business. I don't know if I would miss the opportunity to train the Mike Tyson. It’s a deal I can’t refuse,” she concluded.
Even with all the news that has come out in the press in recent days, there is still no position from the former world boxing champion on when, where, against whom and in what modality his comeback fight will be held. Last weekend, the North American had stated that the correct information would be released by the end of the month, however, so far, there is nothing concrete.
History of the legends
Mike, today, is 53 years old and is known as one of the best boxers of all time. The athlete haunted the 'Nobre Arte' in the late 80s and 90s. His last fight took place in June 2005, when he was defeated by Kevin McBride. All in all, 'Iron' Mike Tyson He competed in 58 fights, achieving 50 victories – 44 by knockout -, six defeats and two unsuccessful matches. In his career, the American won the WBC (World Boxing Council), WBA (World Boxing Association) and IBF (World Boxing Federation) belts.
The Brazilian, who is now 43 years old, has not fought since his setback to Quinton jackson, playing for Bellator, in September 2018. Known as one of the biggest names in the extinct PRIDE, Silva has a record of 51 fights as a professional in MMA. The athlete has 35 wins, 14 losses, one draw and one fight without result. In the early 2000s, Wand became considered one of the most feared men in the world and, even today, he is a legend in Brazil and Japan, where he achieved his greatest victories.
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