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Sports News of Thursday, 14 May 2020

Source: www.mynigeria.com

Tyson is returning for the money and not legacy, AJ's promoter Eddie Hearn says

Eddie Hearn Eddie Hearn

Anthony Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn has said that boxing legend, Mike Tyson, is coming back because of the money and not the legacy.

The 53-year-old who is hoping to compete in exhibition and charity bouts declared his return in an Instagram video during the week. "I'm back," he said.

Hearn who also promotes, Dillian Whyte, branded Tyson's comeback of, as an "irresponsible" decision, after being approached to promote the legend.

"I would probably like to see it but I feel, is it a bit irresponsible to let a 53-year-old legend back in the ring?" Hearn told British Boxing Television.

"I had a message from someone saying they wanted to talk to me about Mike.

"He looks pretty dangerous. What's compelling is, could he actually go back in at 53 and do some damage in the division? Maybe, maybe not. But should we be encouraging that from an all-time great?

"There's a fine line — and I've crossed it a couple of times — between integrity of the sport and entertainment delivering numbers. I know people will say, 'Well, you did the YouTube fight with KSI.'

"Our job is to deliver numbers for broadcasters but we have to keep it as close to the right mark as we can."

Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion of all time when he beat Trevor Berbick in 1986 aged 20. He ended his career as a two-time WBA and WBC heavyweight champion with 50-6 record (44 KOs).

Hearn believes that the legend's return is only money-driven.

"Money," he said. "Fighters and legends are seeing other fighters make money for fights they think are insignificant.

"Tyson isn't thinking about wanting to come back to add to the legacy. He's thinking how much he can get, simple. The answer is quite a lot of money."