‘Russian’ boxing legend challenges Fedor Emelianenko

One of the greatest fighters in PRIDE history—and indeed in heavyweight MMA history in general—wanted to make his way into boxing, Fedor Emelianenko retired from mixed martial arts earlier this year. by losing to Ryan Bader; The last fight in his 23-year cage fighting career, the final MMA bout, however.

In a recent interview with MMA Hour, Fedor revealed that he hopes to test his skills in boxing in the near future. In fact, he already has a fight and a date in mind: none other than Mike. Tyson ‘Iron’ on the Francis Ngannou vs. Tyson Fury PPV card in Saudi Arabia in October.

“We watched a Roy Jones Jr. vs. Mike Tyson fight on TV. Mike Tyson is going to be an interesting fight,” Emelianenko told Ariel Helwani, adding that a fight with Tyson on the Ngannou/Fury card would be “excellent.” A great name, he’s a legend… it must be interesting because you can see a lot of his videos on YouTube and everywhere. He’s still in good shape. He still uses pads. He still has the same strength.”

Roy Jones Jr. calls Fedor Emelianenko instead.

For a number of reasons (age/health/cost), the idea of ​​Mike Tyson vs Fedor Emelianenko coming up on the boxing ring in the next 3 months or any time – seems like an absolute dream from the ‘Last Emperor’. It didn’t mean that he didn’t have a fight option that still raised a few eyebrows.

Halfway through the fight in the Tyson exhibition, Roy Jones, Jr. was younger, much more enthusiastic. And there isn’t a hugely successful sub-conglomerate to rely on for all his financial needs. Will it have the same level of PPV appeal as the former heavyweight champion’s return to competition? absolutely not But unlike Tyson, RJJ looks like he’s definitely up for the idea.

“Fedor doesn’t need to box Mike Tyson, it’s time for him to fight with me,” Jones told Russia’s TASS news agency. “I’m sure it will be an unbelievably great event.”

“We are both Russian athletes and it is very interesting.”

Roy Jones Jr. became a Russian citizen almost a decade ago.

The undisputed former light heavyweight champion received Russian citizenship in 2015 after fighting several times in the country over the past five years. His normal routine in the country often caused problems during his travels. And citizenship will make things a lot easier.

Ironically, he has never competed in Russia since President Vladimir. Russia’s Putin accepted his request. In later years, RJJ stated that he saw himself as an ambassador between Russia and the United States.

“I go [to Russia] Very,” Jones said in a 2018 interview.

“I was like, ‘You know what? This is a non-political opportunity. but at a lower level You can combine these two countries. and stop some craziness from happening All aspects and hostility The whole Cold War’”

Fedor wanted this fight before.

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time the idea of ​​a fight between Fedor Emelianenko and Roy Jones Jr. has been in the news, back in 2021 when the former PRIDE heavyweight champion was still under contract with Bellator. Got a little boxing match concept. Nothing happened, but Emelianenko sounded like he definitely wanted a fight.

“I would be interested [in fighting Roy Jones Jr.]”Emelianenko said in an interview at the time. “I’ve worked with Denis Lebedev (who beat Jones in 2011) with others. [in boxing]I’ve been boxing myself since 2000. Yeah, it’s interesting to have fights like this. But not with bloggers and singers. Not to anyone from outside the world of sport, Roy Jones is a legend in the world of boxing. Of course it would be interesting to do it with him.

“He’s got a track record, he’ll always be Roy Jones, even if he doesn’t have that crazy pace. that anymore.”

Considering that RJJ has had trouble dealing with another former MMA star turned professional in Anthony Pettis recently, it feels a lot more like fighting Emelianenko, which would make for an interesting fight. Is it a match that everyone wants? No, but it seems more likely than Tyson’s fight.

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