As BoxingScene.com previously reported, Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship [BKFC] president David Feldman stated in a recent interview that he plans to submit an increased offer to former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson.
Tyson previously rejected an offer of $20 million to compete in a bare knuckle fight.
Feldman intends to send his team a new offer, exceeding $20 million, to face someone like MMA legend Wanderlei Silva.
Silva has now stated, in an interview with Sherdog, that someone contacted him from BKFC, with an offer of $10 million for a fight with Tyson.
“They offered me $10 million plus pay-per-view percentage and I accepted immediately. I hope Feldman can make it happen,” said the 43-year-old Silva.
However, MMA coach Rafael Cordeiro, who appeared in the recent training videos with Tyson, is not that confident that Tyson vs. Silva fight will actually happens – especially in a bare knuckle format.
“I didn’t get any calls from Wand or Tyson, but as far as I know that fight wont happen,” Cordeiro said. “Tyson is training to make a boxing fight — with gloves. It is hard to comment about rumors.”
Tyson, 53-years-old, has been away from the sport since retiring in 2005 – when he was stopped by heavyweight journeyman Kevin McBride.
The former undisputed heavyweight champion has been teasing the idea of coming back for a few exhibition fights to raise money for charity. He released several training clips, which featured Cordeiro as the coach. In the videos, Tyson showcased his physical form, speed and power – while proclaiming ‘I’m back’ to the camera.
Numerous fighters in boxing and MMA, including career rival Evander Holyfield, have expressed heavy interest in facing him in an exhibition bout.
Tyson recently revealed that he’s close to finalizing his return, but refused to give any hints regarding the potential opponents.