George Foreman says Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr.'s return to the boxing ring is a "beautiful thing" ... but admits he is scared the legendary pugilists could be seriously hurt.
TMZ Sports broke the story ... 54-year-old Tyson and 51-year-old Jones Jr. are coming out of retirement to put on a massively anticipated 8-round exhibition fight -- and combat sports fans are PUMPED!
But, Foreman -- who had 81 professional bouts against immortal fighters like Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier -- says he's very concerned about "Iron Mike" and RJJ's well-being.
"There's a time when you gotta worry about your health, but it's a beautiful thing that they would even come out," George says.
"Maybe they can even name a charity or something for the recipient of the funds. I think it's good to come out but its gotta be a fun thing, but I hope one does not hit the other."
FYI, Tyson -- who last fought in 2005 -- told us he's donating a portion of his fight paycheck to charity.
Foreman is admittedly anxious Mike and Roy could be permanently hurt, so we asked him if he'd advise the men to rethink their decision to step back into the squared circle.
"I would just tell them it's really dangerous but when you make up your mind to do something like that, you can't tell them 'don't do it.' They're not gonna hear that. Even me. Big fool like me, back in the day, I only saw what I wanted to see."
George says he totally understands why Mike and Roy want to fight ... and even revealed he attempted to make a third comeback in his mid-50's.
(Of course, George became heavyweight champ for a 2nd time at 45 years old.)
"I was 55 years old. I was in shape and everything," Foreman says, continuing ... "[My wife] says 'you're not going to do anything like that,' I said, 'I'm telling you, you can't tell me what to do. I can still -- I said don't you believe in me? Look at me, I can still do it!'"
"She said, 'George, isn't that the way you want to leave the sport believing that you can still do it?'. I got closure right there and I walked away and it was death to a fighter to realize you're never gonna fight anymore."
"I'm trying to go in there and try to break his face! That's it!"
That's Robert Whittaker's game plan to fight Darren Till -- and we gotta say, it's straight and to the point!
The two are set to clash on Fight Island on July 25th -- Whittaker's first fight since losing the UFC middleweight belt to Israel Adesanya back in October.
The goal for Robert is obviously to work his way back to a title shot -- but first, he's gotta get through Till, who's coming off a win over Kelvin Gastelum.
"I am so excited," Whittaker tells TMZ Sports ... "It is time to get back to work. I want to get in there, I want to test myself and get my direction."
So, what's the plan for Till?
"I'm gonna get in there and try and punch him as hard as I can!"
In other words, Whittaker just wants a brawl -- and we're here for it!
He even has a message for his opponent -- "I'm gonna crush your face! I hope you've been preparing because I have."
Mike Tysonwas seeing green when he signed his contract to fight Roy Jones Jr. ... puffing away on a joint that would make Snoop Dogg proud!
Check out the footage ... both Mike and Roy were all smiles when they officially signed on the dotted line last month during a Zoom call.
Our sources tell us Triller -- a social media app looking to overtake TikTok -- shelled out roughly $50 mil for the rights to the fight, looking to make a statement that they're serious about moving into the live events space.
Mike says he's personally not getting rich from the fight -- saying his cut will go to charity ... "I'm not getting anything."
Tyson says his mission in life isn't to amass wealth -- it's to help people in need, and doing this fight was a great way for him to make an impact.
As for Roy, he tells us the way his contract is structured, he has the potential to rake in more than $10 MILLION for the fight, as long as the PPV numbers are big.
Roy says he can make more money at 51 years old than he did when he was 31!
As we previously reported, the epic matchup is set to go down in California on Sept. 12 -- with no fans in attendance due to the COVID pandemic.
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8:33 AM PT -- Tyson's reps contacted us to clarify what Mike told us regarding his fight paycheck being donated to charity.
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"Mike is committed to charitable causes at this stage in his life. Mike is making a substantial donation to charity to help those effected economically, medically and socially by the pandemic. The exact amount will be determined after the bout"
12:46 PM PT -- Mike Tyson has already emerged as a big betting favorite, according to BetOnline.ag.
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The massive sports gambling site tells us ... Tyson is opening up as the -350 favorite -- which means gamblers would need to bet $350 on Tyson to win a $100 profit.
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Roy is the +275 underdog -- which means a $100 bet pays $275.
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11:25 AM PT -- As if this fight couldn't get any crazier ... we now have an undercard -- ex-NBA star Nate Robinson and YouTuber/boxer Jake Paul!!!
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Remember, we spoke with Nate back in May, who called out the social media millionaire, saying, "I'm putting my everything on the line for (Jake). Let's get it done. It's that simple."
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Robinson released a statement to The Athletic's Shams Charania about the fight getting done, saying, "I wanted to show that I'm a world class athlete, I played college football, played in the NBA for 11 years, and I'm excited for this venture into the sport of Boxing. Jake Paul, I want all the smoke.
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Paul added ... "Make no mistake, on September 12th, Nate will meet the canvas early."
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10:36 AM PT -- We just spoke with Mike Tyson and asked him the question everyone wants to know - is this a real-deal fight or more of a goofy, fun show?
Tyson insists he will be going FULL FORCE -- telling "TMZ Live," "Anybody who knows me, I don't know how to [take my foot off the gas]. I just know one way of fighting and that's just what it is."
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In other words, Tyson says it's a REAL FIGHT.
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Tyson also insists he's not doing the fight to get rich -- his cut is all going to charity because he's dedicated his life to helping people.
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The boxing legend admits he's been through hell with cocaine, booze and weight issues -- and is now a completely different person, focused on health and philanthropy.
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We also spoke with Roy Jones Jr. who's very excited for the fight -- telling us he's been ready for this for years!
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Roy knows Tyson will be head-hunting from the opening bell -- but insists he's got a HUGE conditioning advantage over Mike.
The 54-year-old boxing legend has been training his ass off to get back in the ring ... and now, we've learned his first opponent is one of the greatest fighters EVER!
"Iron" Mike will take on Roy Jones Jr. on Sept. 12 in an 8-round exhibition being called Frontline Battle -- available on Pay-per-view and on the social media platform, Triller.
We're told the fight will take place in California -- and will be sanctioned by the California State Athletic Commission.
The event will include an undercard and live musical performances from top artists -- and since Triller is backed by big stars like Snoop, Lil Wayne, Future, The Weeknd, Pitbull, Marshmello and more -- the entertainment should be pretty solid!
FYI, Triller is a rapidly growing social media platform that's gunning to take over the TikTok crowd -- and while it's previously focused on music (including partnerships with major labels) it's now making a concentrated foray into live events including sports.
Tyson has been talking about a comeback for months and got some massive offers -- so, we're guessing Triller shelled out some big bucks to land the rights to his first comeback fight.
There's more ... we've also learned Triller locked up the rights to a 10-part docuseries featuring Mike and Roy preparing for their fight ... with 2 episodes dropping every week until fight night, streaming on the platform.
As for the combatants, RJJ is 51 -- and held titles in 4 different weight classes ... middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight and heavyweight.
Roy most recently fought in Feb. 2018 -- but he's been training constantly and feels he can compete with Tyson.
Of course, Tyson hasn't had a pro fight since June 2005 ... and battled substance abuse and weight issues after he stepped away.
But now, Tyson says he's made health and fitness a priority again -- and wants to get back into the ring to help raise money for charity.
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Tyson had previously told us his sights were set on Evander Holyfield in a comeback fight ... and we're told that's still a possibility down the road -- but first up is Roy.
The Floyd Mayweatherboxing comeback is back on -- he's actively looking for new exhibition fights after shutting things down earlier this year.
We broke the story ... Mayweather had previously been gunning for 2 fights in 2020 -- one against a pro boxer and one against an MMA star (he was really into the idea of Khabib Nurmagomedov).
Back in March, Floyd was telling people close to him he wasn't in the right state of mind to focus on a comeback ... but now in July, he says he's ready for some exhibition fights in Japan.
"We’re working on some things right now for Tokyo," Floyd told Forbes ... "Whether 2020 or 2021."
The opponents are still up in the air -- but Floyd is making it crystal clear, these will be boxing matches and NOT mixed martial arts fights,
“No [I won’t compete in MMA],” Mayweather said -- "I think just like how winning teams receive home-field advantage in the playoffs ... you don't fix what isn't broken, and my record isn't broken.”
Floyd had previously teased the idea of an MMA fight -- and even began MMA training -- but ultimately decided, he'll stick to fists-only.
Georges St-Pierre says he's VERY flattered by Kamaru Usman's call-out ... but he's just not ready to un-retire and get back in the Octagon.
"I think for me it's better if I stay retired," GSP tells TMZ Sports ... "It's not worth it for me."
Of course, GSP formally retired back in 2019 -- saying he wanted to leave while still on top (his last fight was a '17 victory over Michael Bisping).
But, 39-year-old GSP still trains like a maniac -- and people close to him say he's still in dangerous fighting shape.
In fact, UFC welterweight champ Kamaru Usman called him out earlier this month -- saying he would love to bait GSP out of retirement for one last fight before he truly rides off into the sunset.
But, St-Pierre tells us he's given it some serious thought ... and he just isn't feeling a comeback -- at least not right now.
"Sometimes I'm watching the fights and I'm like, 'Man I think I can beat these guys' or after when I'm done training I feel like I'm very confident," GSP says.
"But, after I go home at night and I'm thinking about all that crazy thoughts and I'm like 'I'm gonna be 40 years old soon, do I really wanna go back and do a hardcore training camp of 2 months? Put myself in jail so to speak and get ready for hell? I'm like, no I don't."
"I've done it for a very long time and unfortunately there's too many guys that retire too late and I do not want to be one of these guys."
"I'm very fortunate, I'm healthy most importantly and I'm also wealthy. I came out at the right time, I made a lot of money and I think the problems are when I matured and calculated the pros and cons, it's better that i stay retired."
GSP had nothing but praise for Usman -- saying the guy is one of the smartest fighters out there and has big things in his future ... but he's just not ready to throw down right now.
But, watch the whole clip ... St-Pierre says he's always willing to entertain an offer if the UFC calls him up.
8:31 AM PT -- 7/22 The man yelling the n-word has been ID'd as Joe O'Brien, also known by his adult film stage name, Dustin Gold. Gay porn company, Helix Studios, says he was one of their models 6 years ago ... but will not be working for them again in wake of the video.
UPDATE
11:35 AM PT -- Police are aware of the video and looking into it. According to the NYPD ... a politician notified them of the incident and they're trying to locate the precinct where it occurred. We're told a victim has not come forward to file a report.
A despicable man spewed a racist epithet at someone he felt was blocking his car ... then turned his vitriol toward the guy recording his disgusting behavior.
Check out this video from Brooklyn ... the racist gets out of his car and screams at a person to get out of the middle of the street, then unloads with the n-word.
He then realizes a guy walking by is recording the incident, and he seems surprised and pissed off, and then launches into a homophobic tirade followed by a full-on physical assault. The racist steals the man's phone and slams it on the ground.
The racist dude insists he doesn't care if the video gets posted online -- he even says he'll win fans because of it.
There's a new Karen in town ... and she's freaking out while wielding measuring tape.
It's unclear exactly what set this lady off, but it sounds like she's screaming something about protecting her family ... and she clearly has spacial issues.
According to the woman recording the video and her friend ... they went to the beach to have a nice, relaxing day until the angry woman went crazy on them.
They say Measuring Tape Karen ID'd herself as a nurse, and wanted them to move farther away from her, "because she feels like it."
Perhaps she felt they weren't social distancing enough, but that kind of goes out the window when you accost people and scream at them without wearing a mask.
Eventually, the mad lady was dragged away as she let out another primal shriek, shouting ... "It's people like you that are ruining it for all of us!"
Dana White has said he's the next in line for a title shot against Usman!
There is one minor speed bump -- Kamaru received a 180-day medical suspension due to the potential of a broken nose suffered in the Masvidal fight -- but there's a chance he could be cleared to return earlier if doctors allow.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is NOT retiring from MMA, despite reports to the contrary -- and he WILL fight Justin Gaethje before the end of 2020, so says his manager.
We spoke with Ali Abdelaziz, who manages both Khabib and Justin -- and he tells us straight-up, both guys are on board.
"We have a blockbuster main event [Khabib] versus Justin Gaethje. Two of the best lightweights in the world today in the recent era."
There have been questions about Khabib's fighting future ever since his father passed away from COVID earlier this month.
Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov wasn't just Khabib's father -- he was also his coach, mentor and best friend.
"Everybody understands how close Khabib and his father were," Ali says ... "We lost something very important and the UFC's been so awesome, especially Dana. He's been communicating with Khabib, the whole team has been amazing."
Ali says Khabib is "heartbroken" -- "but at the end of the day, Khabib's father has a legacy he wanted Khabib to accomplish."
In other words, Ali says Abdulmanap would WANT Khabib to continue fighting ... to share his talents with the world.
And, Ali believes Justin Gaethje is the perfect opponent.
"We see what Justin Gaethje did to his last opponent. He dismantled Tony Ferguson, he made him look an absolute amateur."
We also asked if there was a chance Conor McGregor could be in the mix for either Khabib or Justin ... ya gotta hear what Ali says about that!
UFC rising star Amanda Ribas says Fight Island was one of the BEST experiences of her life -- telling TMZ Sports she was treated like a princess from the second she stepped off the plane!
Of course, 26-year-old Ribas flew to Abu Dhabi to take on Paige VanZant at UFC 251 -- and after securing an armbar submission in less than 3 minutes, OF COURSE SHE WAS HAPPY!
But, Amanda says Fight Island was a dream come true ... she was treated like a rock star from start to finish -- and LOVED the food, especially the desserts!
Ribas is 10-1 as a pro and her star is exploding right now -- with signature wins over high-profile fighters like Paige and Mackenzie Dern.
So, how does Ribas want to exploit her newfound fame?
She wants to give back to the children back home in Brazil.
"In my city, we have a project there and I'm trying to put more money there to invest in people, invest in children because they are our future."
"I like to be like a person who you want to see and say, 'Ah, she's an inspiration for my children, a good inspiration' and I like to be like that."
Jahreau Shepherd -- a pro MMA fighter who competed for Bellator in 2018 -- has died after officials say he was stabbed at his own 30th birthday party in London.
Shepherd was found bleeding with stab wounds around 10 pm on Saturday in the Kensington area, according to the Evening Standard -- and while emergency personnel rushed to the scene, they were unable to save him.
Earlier in the evening, Shepherd was celebrating at a backyard BBQ with friends and family ... including his mother and small children.
But, something went terribly wrong ... and later in the evening, Shepherd was reportedly attacked, suffering fatal wounds in the process.
A tribute to Shepherd has already sprung up at the site where he was killed -- with flowers and pictures.
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Scotland Yard is treating Shepherd's death as a murder -- describing it as a "terrible attack" -- though so far, no arrests have been made.
Officials are asking for witnesses to come forward -- but it sounds like they have some leads.
Shepherd was 6-2 as a pro and earned a TKO victory over Marcin Zywica at a Bellator event in May 2018.
His management company is devastated over the loss and has created a GoFundMe to help cover funeral costs.
Coronavirus seems to have people wound up tight and ready to blow -- case in point, this road rage incident that turned into real-life "Street Fighter."
Check out these 2 dudes throwing down on what appears to be a residential road in Philly -- one of them is a younger guy, and the other is older. Either way, they're both hurling punches and trying to knock the other out.
The guy in the green shirt eventually got in one good hit on the other dude as he was trying to walk away. The guys recording it are hooting and hollering watching it go down, joking by saying they thought "white lives matter."
After the final devastating blow, green shirt hops on his motorcycle and zooms off down the street seconds later. Yeah, he was definitely ready to make a clean getaway ... no question.
Now, it's unclear what might've sparked this crazy road rage ... but in any case, it seems obvious that folks are ready to tussle at a moment's notice these days.
MMA star Lance Palmer has a message for the PFL fighting promotion ... give me a fight or let me out of my contract!!
Palmer is a 32-year-old 2-time winner (2018, 2019) of the Professional Fighters League's million-dollar tournament ... and hoped to earn another milli competing in this year's competition.
COVID-19 had other plans ... and when the virus hit the U.S., PFL execs pulled the plug on the season.
But, now that combat sports -- the UFC, Bellator, boxing -- are back ... Lance tells TMZ Sports he's done sitting on the sidelines watching other fighters earn a living.
"PFL needs to hold an event, and it needs to be before the year's end for the athletes that are under contract, or there needs to be a release of some sort."
Despite how it may sound, Palmer says he has a ton of respect for the people who run PFL ... and isn't trying to beef with them.
"There's no threat about it. It's more of, do the right thing, and let's get a fight scheduled."
FYI, Lance hasn't fought since Dec 2019 ... and says PFL doesn't plan on booking him a bout until next summer -- an 18-month layoff.
"More than making money, it's about competing in my prime. And, to have 18 months off, and to try and hold us out until next June for the actual season, I don't agree with it at all, and that's kinda when I'm speaking out for everybody on the roster at PFL."
Palmer says plenty of other fighting organizations and sports leagues have figured out how to safely hold events while keeping athletes safe and healthy ... so blaming the layoff on COVID-19 doesn't fly anymore.
"The excuse of the coronavirus isn't an excuse anymore. There are ways to go around it, and still make it safe for the athlete."
Lance wants at least 1 -- or even 2 fights -- in 2020 ... but as of now, he's got none. Your move, PFL.
Remember Maia BEAT Jorge Masvidal back in May 2017 -- in a 3 round split decision.
But, he took an "L" to Usman when they clashed a year later in 2018 in a 5 round unanimous decision.
So, with both of Demian's former opponents set to do battle tonight on Fight Island, we had to ask ... WHO YA GOT?!
Short answer ... Kamaru Usman -- and here's why.
"Fights is all about styles and matchups. It doesn't mean that if I had a difficult time with Kamaru and I won against Jorge, doesn't mean that the same will reflect on the fight," Maia says.
"I think there's some things that makes this fight more Kamaru favorite for this fight. I think he's more well-rounded, he's a very good wrestler and he's also you know he had that full camp."
"Masvidal, ya know, he didn't have this camp, he just got this fight so that's why I think Kamaru is the favorite, but MMA is a crazy sport."
There's more ... Maia also told us how Jorge can upset the reigning welterweight champ in the UFC 251 main event.
