If you think the “freakshow fight” era is over, think about it again. Boxing’s most infamous heavyweight, Mike Tyson was offered a comeback match from Kazakhstan’s Arash Pride League. This time, many people call them great MMA fighters so they don’t step into MMA.
Consider Muhammad Ali vs. Antonio Inoki, or Slice of Kimbo vs. Dada 5000. Think more about throwing two legends (or two odd balls) into the ring and seeing what happens when you bring the chips up.
Fedel vs. Mike Tyson
Now, let’s meet the players. “Iron” Mike Tyson rarely needs to be introduced, but this is a reviewer. He is the youngest heavyweight champion in history, two-time world champion, and owns 44 knockouts with a career of 50 wins. Tyson’s rise was a meteor, unifying the heavyweight division by the age of 21, becoming a pop culture icon, equal threat and Marvel. His career had a share of controversy and comebacks, but his power and persona made him legendary both in and out of the ring.
Beyond the aisle is Feder Emelianko, known as the “last emperor.” Fedel was an MMA royalty who terrified the pride circuit in Japan in the 2000s, becoming undefeated for nearly a decade, earning who is who in the sport. Fedor’s style was all business, stoic, technical and devastating. He finished his career with a 40-7 record, with a contest record and is widely considered to be the best heavyweight ever in MMA.
The proposed Tyson Emeryannko conflict fits perfectly with the “freakshow” tradition. The aging boxing icon and MMA legend both meet under unclear rules for public entertainment. The APL doesn’t say whether this is a boxing match or more exotic, but the safe money lies in boxing. Feddle himself says he has earned an MMA, but he wants to try his hand at sweet science.
One thing is certain, as the world of combat sports is the equipment for another sight of sports. Freakshow fights are alive and it’s still packed. Mike Tyson vs. Fedel may not resolve the argument about the best time, but he will almost certainly answer the question.