Tito Ortiz. AP
MANILA, Philippines — Everyone wants a piece of Mike Tyson.
Add mixed martial arts legends Ken Shamrock and Tito Ortiz on the list of fighters interested in taking on the former undisputed heavyweight champion in an exhibition match for charity.
“I’m always hungry to fight. That’s in my DNA. I love doing it, I’ve always loved doing it,” Shamrock told The Fight Network as posted on boxingscene.com.
The 56-year-old Shamrock had initially announced last year that he has no intention of fighting again, but if he is to return, the former UFC star thinks fighting Tyson is the best way to do it.
“At the same time I’ve also got to be smart too, and understand that it has to be something that makes sense if I’m going to get in the ring. I’m not going to fight some 27-year-old in his prime. It would be ridiculous for me to do that,” he said.
“But if something made sense, I would do it. I love competing. I’ve always loved competing. Someone like Mike Tyson would be a perfect fight for me, because it’s something I love doing. I love competing and I love competing against the best, so it’d be a perfect scenario for me.”
The former UFC light heavyweight champion Ortiz, who is still actively fighting at 45 years old, meanwhile, recently called out Tyson on social media.
Tyson is not closing his doors on a potential fight with either of the two.
“I don’t really know, but anyone that’s willing to contribute to this charity, they’re welcome to come in and challenge me. I would be open for anyone. I am just having fun looking good, showing off my new body, anything is possible. My ego is starting to get elated, but we will see. There are a lot of things to hope for in the future,” Tyson told TMZ Sports.
The 53-year-old Tyson, who retired in 2005, has been making headlines again after expressing his desire to return.
He is reportedly in talks for a third bout with Evander Holyfield.