It appears we could be a step closer from that challenge becoming a reality, as Ortiz claims he was contracted by Tyson’s reps about a possible fight.
“I got a phone call and someone started asking me, ‘What do you think about fighting Mike Tyson?’ I was like, ‘Really?’ This is an opportunity that I like. I’m in,'” Ortiz said to TMZ Sports (via Nolan King of MMA Junkie).
Ortiz is coming off of wins over Chael Sonnen, Chuck Liddell and Alberto Del Rio, while Tyson hasn’t competed in over a decade.
There is also no word yet from Ortiz as to whether or not the potential bout will be a boxing fight or an MMA fight, but Ortiz does know that the contest against Tyson would bring in bigger numbers that Mayweather vs. McGregor.
“I’m not sure if it’s going to be MMA or boxing yet,” Ortiz said. “I haven’t even gotten that far. We both have got to be cleared by the athletic commissions. That’s the biggest thing. Either one. I’ve been boxing for 20 years. My boxing skills have gotten better and better. They may not be at the same level as Tyson, but has Tyson been punched in the face in the last 15 years? No he hasn’t. I have been. I’ve been able to subdue everyone I’ve competed against over the last four years. You know what Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather did? I think we could double that. It’d be amazing. It’d be fun. It’d be a great opportunity for both of our brands. The hard work that pays off, the person’s hand will get raised. Everyone knows me as being a hard worker.”
Tyson, who just appeared at AEW Double Or Nothing ‘20, has yet to comment on a potential bout against Ortiz.
