Former undisputed heavyweight world champion Lennox Lewis has hinted he is ready to step out of retirement for a rematch with his old adversary, Mike Tyson.

Tyson, also known as ‘Iron Mike’, is set to make a thrilling comeback to the ring this week when he squares off against Jake Paul, a YouTuber who has transitioned into boxing.

Tyson hasn’t participated in a professional match since his defeat to Kevin McBride nearly 20 years ago. In a heartfelt interview that has recently resurfaced online, the seasoned boxer decided to retire. However, he did face Roy Jones Jr in an exhibition match in 2020. With a professional record of 50-6-2, Tyson is widely considered one of the greatest fighters in the history of the heavyweight division.

After becoming the youngest champion in heavyweight history following his victory over Trevor Berbick in 1986 at just 20 years old, ‘Iron Mike’ went on to triumph over Larry Holmes, Michael Spinks, and Frank Bruno. One of his six professional losses was to Lewis.

Lewis and Tyson famously clashed in 2002, with the Brit emerging victorious via an eighth-round knockout, retaining his WBC, IBF, IBO, and Ring heavyweight world titles.

In a recent chat with TMZ, the boxing icon, 59, who hung up his gloves in 2003, didn’t dismiss the possibility of a sensational comeback fight against Tyson. He said: “Let’s see how he makes out in this fight first. I have spoken to Mike, just about fighting.

“Let’s hope his health is ok. You can’t see things on the outside that may be affecting you on the inside. I wouldn’t want to say he is okay then all of a sudden something happens.”

Britain's Lennox Lewis ducks under a rare Mike Tyson punch in their World Heaveyweight title fight at Pyramid Arena Memphis. Lewis knock out Tyson in the 8th round.

Lewis and Tyson fought in a heated contest in 2002 ( 

Image:

PA Archive/PA Images)

In the same conversation, ‘The Lion’ offered his take on the much-anticipated heavyweight clash. He’s confident that his old adversary has what it takes to triumph over Paul if he’s fit.

“I would hope he would go into a fight where he would win,” he remarked. “He’s a boxer, he knows how to protect himself, he knows how to throw body shots, he knows how to cut off the ring.

“He is younger than me so it really depends on his mobility, whether he can move fast around the ring when he’s going after a younger guy. We will have to see. I haven’t seen him lately to know if he can take it, but I have seen him looking muscular, so of course he can take it if he is in good shape.”

Despite facing a wave of criticism since the fight was confirmed, 27 year old Paul has brushed off suggestions that money is the main motivation for their showdown. “Making history. This is what it’s all about for me, man”, he declared.

“I’m a kid from Ohio. […] They’ll never give me credit. That’s the way it is. If I was walking on water, they would say it’s because I couldn’t swim. And this is to make history. The people think I’m going to get knocked out by this strong, powerful guy.”