Dana White confirms Mike Tyson has something 'big' lined up for boxing return

UFC president Dana White has been told Mike Tyson has something ‘big’ lined up for his return to boxing.

White, 50, is good friends with the former heavyweight champion, 53, and confirmed he is deadly serious about his return to the ring.

While White was initially against the idea, he accepts Tyson is a ‘grown man’ and can make his own decisions – and he admitted his compatriot still looks ‘explosive’.

Tyson told White he has ‘that fire’ in his stomach ahead of his fight comeback – with former nemesis Evander Holyfield among those suggested as potential opponents for him.

And while White wouldn’t reveal who Tyson is planning on going toe-to-toe with, he has been told to expect something big.

‘Originally, I came out and said, “Listen, I’d like Mike not to fight”,’ White told ESPN.

‘I even got Mike a TV show, to try and keep him from fighting. But Mike Tyson is a grown man, he can do whatever.

‘The guy is powerful, looks explosive and has gotten himself in great shape.

‘From what I’m hearing from them, they have something lined up, something big. He’s going to get in there.

‘We talked about it and he said, “Listen, I feel that fire in my stomach. I want to get in there and mix it up again.” I’m fully supportive of him.’

White also confirmed he plans to be in attendance when Tyson returns to the ring.

‘I’ll be at this one, I will absolutely go,’ White added. ‘I don’t care if there’s no crowd allowed. I’ll figure out how to get into that one.’

Follow Metro Sport across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

For more stories like this, check our sport page.