Legendary heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko, known as The Last Emperor, may have retired from mixed martial arts (MMA), but that doesn’t mean he’s done with combat sports. The Russian powerhouse is now eyeing a boxing debut and has his sights set on none other than the iconic Mike Tyson.
Emelianenko, who amassed an impressive 40 wins in his 23-year MMA career, made it clear that he has no plans to return to the world of MMA. Instead, he expressed his interest in testing his heavy hands inside the boxing ring. During an interview with Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour, Emelianenko stated, I want to try myself in boxing. I think that’s going to be interesting.
While an opponent for his boxing debut has not been determined yet, Emelianenko expressed his fascination with the idea of facing off against Mike Tyson. Speaking about Tyson, he said, He has a big name, he’s a legend… It would be interesting because you can see a lot of his videos on YouTube and all over the place, he’s still in good shape. He still works pads, he still has that same power.
Tyson, who held the undisputed heavyweight title for nearly three years in the late 1980s, is widely regarded as one of the most recognizable figures in the boxing world. Tyson’s explosive start to his career, with 19 straight knockout victories, 12 of them in the first round, solidified his place in boxing history.
Emelianenko, aware of Tyson’s formidable reputation, acknowledged that he is not on the same level as the boxing legend. However, he believes his more than 20 years of experience in boxing and his well-rounded skill set make him a worthy challenger. He said, Of course, I’m not as good as Mike Tyson, but it would be interesting.
In addition to Tyson, Emelianenko also addressed the possibility of stepping into the ring with social media sensation Jake Paul, who has been making waves in the boxing world with his victories against ex-MMA fighters. Emelianenko recognized Paul’s growth as a fighter but pointed out that Paul tends to choose opponents who are smaller and more comfortable for his style of boxing.
As for the likelihood of a showdown between Emelianenko and Paul, the Russian fighter expressed doubt, stating, I doubt he would want to do it.
Fans are undoubtedly excited about the prospect of seeing Emelianenko make his boxing debut, especially against a legendary figure like Mike Tyson. While it remains to be seen if this dream matchup will become a reality, Emelianenko’s enthusiasm and his willingness to step outside his comfort zone have certainly captured the attention of fight fans worldwide.
As Emelianenko continues to train and prepare for his boxing debut, the anticipation for his future in the squared circle grows. Whether it’s in the ring against Tyson or against other seasoned fighters, one thing is certain—Emelianenko’s indomitable spirit and passion for competition will make his boxing journey a spectacle worth watching.
