Aussie expat launches ambitious bid to host Mike Tyson fight in Thailand

[webfact]

Aussie expat launches ambitious bid to host Mike Tyson fight in Thailand

 

Image: AP

 

An Australian expat has ambitious plans to stage a boxing fight involving Mike Tyson in Thailand.

 

Tyson, arguably the most feared fighter in heavyweight boxing history, is training again with plans to climb back into the ring to raise money for charity.

 

Dean Bourke, who first met ‘Iron Mike’ more than 20 years ago, has already submitted a proposal to Tyson’s management team and has been in contact with major brands in Thailand who are said to be very interested in sponsoring the event.

 

Dean met Mike Tyson through his former business partner and friend 3 time World Boxing Champion Jeff Fenech, while building the FENECHS boxing brand in Australia.

 

“Jeff was always a close friend of Mike's and so I would tag along to the USA with him and was lucky enough to meet Mike”, Dean told Thaivisa by email.

 

Jeff went on to become Mike’s trainer in the latter part of his career. 

 

Dean, who himself comes from a boxing and Muay Thai background, first moved to Bangkok 14 years ago where he owned the license to the Everlast boxing equipment brand. He later worked for FBT Sports Co. for 8 years where he helped to design and promote the brand around the world.

 

More recently Dean has been working as a boxing promoter, promoting more than 50 fights in Thailand. 

 

Dean pictured with Oscar De La Hoya (top) and Mike Tyson

 

Dean explained that he had been in contact with Tyson’s management team about another project called FIGHT FOR FAMILY - a Muay Thai reality TV show in which Mike Tyson was approached to be host. 

 

“I had been trying to promote some different boxing shows and had the idea to do a series of fights in the Thai jails that would help prisoners locked up for petty crimes and give them something to look forward to, plus help their families financially while they were in jail.”

 

“I came up with the idea of FIGHT FOR FAMILY, a series where Thai prisoners fight foreigners (non prisoners) and the winner of the fights to hopefully get a reduced sentence, raise money for their family and then upon release give them a chance of fighting for a  Muay Thai world title.”

 

“After 2 years we got the approval from the Corrections Department for this series and a shot at Netflix picking up the show BUT I wanted Mike Tyson as the host,” Dean said. 

 

“I contacted his wife who asked me to liaise with his LA Management company but it all got put 'on hold' due to Covid”.

 

While discussions were put on hold, the news broke that Tyson could be about to make a sensational comeback to the ring at the age of 53.

 

Dean contacted Tyson’s LA manager, Chris Smith, to discuss the possibility of hosting a Mike Tyson fight in Thailand.

 

Tyson’s management team have signalled their interest in the fight taking place in Thailand, Dean said, with discussions expected to continue once the situation regarding COVID-19 improves. 

 

A Mike Tyson charity fight in Thailand “could assist the Thai economy with proceeds generated being donated back into the Kingdom to those in need”, Dean said. 

 

There has been media speculation that Tyson will go to Australia to fight, but Dean described those reports as “fake news”, insisting that Tyson’s management team have not received any offers about hosting the fight Down Under. 

 

Dean says the event could draw up to 1 million viewers worldwide via pay-per-view and has earmarked Bangkok’s Rajamangala Stadium as a potential venue. 

 

“Mike Tyson is a great guy and wants to make money for charity, Dean said. 

 

“He hasn't 100% confirmed anything yet but our plan IF Mike will accept to fight is to do it in Thailand at the same time he would host the prison show FIGHT FOR FAMILY.  

 

“Any such fight in Thailand would benefit Mike's charity PLUS the majority of proceeds of the fight and Pay Per View, would plan to put back into the Thai economy to help the recovery, Dean added.

 

 

The news comes amid reports Tyson is very much on the comeback trail.

 

Videos posted on Tyson’s various social media profiles showed the former world heavyweight champion in training looking every bit as fast, ferocious and powerful as he did in his heyday.

 

In one video, Tyson declares “I’m back”. 

 

At his peak, Tyson was regarded by many as the most intimidating heavyweight boxer of all time, with 44 of his 50 victories by knockout.

 

 

-- © Copyright Thai Visa News 2020-05-14

 

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[sprq]

What's the loser's prize money? I'm up for it. First round knockout and off to the bank.

[Captain Monday]

Tyson is 53. Put him in the ring with a decent 16 year old Muay Thai kid Mike would get knocked out.

[ThailandRyan]

But can he do a new version of The Hangover first, here in Bangkok, they can call it "The Hangover - Covid 19"

[transam]

2 minutes ago, Captain Monday said:

Tyson is 53. Put him in the ring with a decent 16 year old Muay Thai kid Mike would get knocked out.

Daft post of the week......

[keith101]

I am a huge boxing fan but wouldn't pay 1 satang to go and see this Ahole fight after biting off an ear .

 

And as a convicted rapist should not be allowed into Thailand .

 

 

Edited May 14, 2020 by keith101

[transam]

3 minutes ago, keith101 said:

I am a huge boxing fan but wouldn't pay 1 satang to go and see this Ahole fight after biting off an ear .

Hope you can still hear OK....????

[Lacessit]

9 minutes ago, Captain Monday said:

Tyson is 53. Put him in the ring with a decent 16 year old Muay Thai kid Mike would get knocked out.

Tyson might be older and slower, but look at how long George Foreman kept going. Unified world titles at age 45. Tyson is ranked ahead of Foreman in terms of punching power.

Being hit by a heavyweight with the punching power of Tyson is not a love pat. The average male would get broken ribs with just one body shot from him.

[Grumpy John]

The problem for the promoter maybe to find an age appropriate opponent for grandpa Mike.  I guess they will be spending a lot of time surveying Nursing homes. 

[UbonThani]

23 minutes ago, Captain Monday said:

Tyson is 53. Put him in the ring with a decent 16 year old Muay Thai kid Mike would get knocked out.

rubbish

he's 10x stronger than some 40kg kid

 

 

ive sparred with an ex world champ muay thai

 

his kicks not half as powerful as a tyson punch

 

laughable to suggest some 16yo thai kid can kick harder than Tyson can punch

 

the kid would break his leg

Edited May 14, 2020 by UbonThani

[giddyup]

25 minutes ago, sprq said:

What's the loser's prize money? I'm up for it. First round knockout and off to the bank.

In an ambulance.

[UbonThani]

7 minutes ago, Grumpy John said:

The problem for the promoter maybe to find an age appropriate opponent for grandpa Mike.  I guess they will be spending a lot of time surveying Nursing homes. 

53 isnt old. He would be ranked top 10 in the world if he made a full comeback.

 

80yos live in nursing homes.

 

 

[UbonThani]

11 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

Tyson might be older and slower, but look at how long George Foreman kept going. Unified world titles at age 45. Tyson is ranked ahead of Foreman in terms of punching power.

Being hit by a heavyweight with the punching power of Tyson is not a love pat. The average male would get broken ribs with just one body shot from him.

still fast

he would tire after 3 rds but most are koed in 1

 

He would be ranked 5th to 8th imo if he cameback maybe higher.

[Captain Monday]

28 minutes ago, transam said:

Daft post of the week......

How many full force kicks to the head and neck can Grandpa Mike handle?

[Lacessit]

5 minutes ago, Captain Monday said:

How many full force kicks to the head and neck can Grandpa Mike handle?

A lot more than you have, apparently.

[UbonThani]

4 minutes ago, Captain Monday said:

How many full force kicks to the head and neck can Grandpa Mike handle?

Unless it's a heavyweight they wouldnt get past 1 punch. Most Thai MT guys are under 70kgs.

 

There are no Thai heavyweights.

[UbonThani]

 badr hari v tyson would be good

[Why Me]

Given that of the current two top boxers in the world, Tyson Fury has a torso constructed entirely of jellybeans while Deontay Wilder is balanced precariously on two long thin pins that run from his shorts to his shoes, if Mike is serious he can get the heavyweight title back.

 

Great guy by the way. Super smart, articulate and humble. Even if the fight in Thailand is just show I would pay to watch.

Edited May 14, 2020 by Why Me

[Shot]

 "Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth."

 

- Mike Tyson -

Edited May 14, 2020 by Shot

[pineapple01]

Knowing full well hes a convicted Rapist wont get a Visa.

[Muzzique]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

“I came up with the idea of FIGHT FOR FAMILY, a series where Thai prisoners fight foreigners (non prisoners) and the winner of the fights to hopefully get a reduced sentence

Just like 'The Condemned' 

What's next in the plan? Disabled people fighting to win a wheelchair? 

[andy72]

1 hour ago, keith101 said:

I am a huge boxing fan but wouldn't pay 1 satang to go and see this Ahole fight after biting off an ear .

 

And as a convicted rapist should not be allowed into Thailand .

Are those not the two redeeming qualities to qualify for entry?

I think its a perfect pitch playing on the Hangover movies allows top billing for Thailand and a tourism boost 
Why not interesting to see how fit he can be at 53 never count us old farts out 
eating pain gets better as we get older

its like finished?   My turn

oh and he is still an a s s h...e

Edited May 14, 2020 by andy72

[ramrod711]

37 minutes ago, UbonThani said:

53 isnt old. He would be ranked top 10 in the world if he made a full comeback.

 

80yos live in nursing homes.

 

 

True! And that's very indicative of the state of boxing. Having said that, I wouldn't want to be in the ring with him.

[Captain Monday]

28 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

A lot more than you have, apparently.

Nonsense. A well conditioned 16 year old Muay Thai fighter could dance Tyson around the ring, tire him, out  and kick him in the head and neck until Tyson comes...DOWN.

For you we send in a pee-wee, to target the knees. 

 

 

[bkk6060]

Yet millions would probably buy a pay per view at 50 bucks a pop if he fought again.

[ChipButty]

The talk was with Evander Holifield 

[bkk6060]

30 minutes ago, pineapple01 said:

Knowing full well hes a convicted Rapist wont get a Visa.

He is not on parole and would have no relevance if he comes Visa exempt.

 

[UbonThani]

21 minutes ago, ramrod711 said:

True! And that's very indicative of the state of boxing. Having said that, I wouldn't want to be in the ring with him.

heavyweight divs never had great depth

 

most depth is under 80kgs

[UbonThani]

12 minutes ago, bkk6060 said:

Yet millions would probably buy a pay per view at 50 bucks a pop if he fought again.

packed pubs

free

 

he is a legend so why not

 

[UbonThani]

28 minutes ago, Captain Monday said:

Nonsense. A well conditioned 16 year old Muay Thai fighter could dance Tyson around the ring, tire him, out  and kick him in the head and neck until Tyson comes...DOWN.

For you we send in a pee-wee, to target the knees. 

 

 

I see you don't know much about muay thai or boxing. MT fighters dont dance. They sit back on their heals. And mid level kids have no power. I could beat them in rd 1. It's laughable to suggest a kid beats Tyson. Any MT expert would tell you the same thing. Tyson would kill a 16yo mt kid with a big punch. Seriously. MT guys have very weak boxing skills unless elite level like Yod.

Edited May 14, 2020 by UbonThani