Mike Tyson may be coming out of retirement for a hefty paycheck.
Earlier this month, Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship offered the 53-year-old former world heavyweight champion a whopping $20 million to compete in a single fight for the organization. And now, BKFC President David Feldman tells MMA Fighting that the company is planning on upping the number while offering Tyson a slew of new incentives, including charitable donations.
“I think I know what we need to do to make this thing happen,” Feldman told the outlet, adding that the exact value of the contract was still being finalized.
“We’re not successful yet in making that Mike thing happen. But I don’t think the door’s shut,” Feldman added. “He did say no immediately. But I think there’s room there.”
Tyson began his career in 1985 and ended it in 2005 with a record of 50 wins, six losses and two no contests. Forty-four of his wins came by knockout.
The boxing legend hasn’t fought in a match since then. He first noted his desire to compete again in a potential charity match during a conversation with rapper T.I. on Instagram Live earlier this month.
“I’ve been working out, I’ve been trying to get in the ring. I think I’m going to box some exhibitions and get in shape,” Tyson told T.I., according to Yahoo Sports. “I want to go to the gym and get in shape to be able to box three- or four-round exhibitions for some charities and stuff.”
He has kept up on his training, sharing videos of his workouts on social media.
“Anything is possible when you are smart about it,” Tyson wrote in the caption of a video on Instagram on May 11. “Train Smart. Recover Smarter.”
“I’m back,” he said.
