Mike Tyson: Amateurs will beat the Pros

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tang

too high to rigg
Oct 21, 2015
9,403
12,401
'The Amateurs will beat the Professionals': Mike Tyson ridicules idea to have pro-boxing in Olympics




Beijing:
A proposal to let professional fighters compete in the Rio de Janeiro Olympics is "ridiculous" and "foolish", said former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson.

In Beijing to promote professional boxing, Tyson said any pro-boxer going to the Olympics should be prepared to lose because the amateurs could prove too fast for them. "It's ridiculous, it's foolish and some of the pro fighters are going to get beaten by the amateurs," Tyson said. "It's just going to happen. Some of them are going to get beaten I think. I really believe that."


Mike Tyson was in China to promote professional boxing. Reuters

The head of the International Boxing Association, CK Wu has proposed allowing pros in the Olympics, although it's uncertain how the plan would be implemented for Rio because qualification tournaments are either underway or have already been held for boxers in most countries. Amateur bouts involve a maximum of four rounds, while professional fights can last as many as 12.

Tyson said he still has strong memories of the speed and skill of boxers from Cuba, Russia and elsewhere he fought as an amateur in the 1980s. "For three rounds, four rounds, some of the professional boxers aren't going to be able to catch these guys," he said. "These guys are going to be fast for three rounds, four rounds. These guys are not going to be accustomed to that."

While eight-time world champion Manny Pacquiao has said he would consider representing his native Philippines in the Olympics, his promoter Bob Arum has said that is a terrible idea. Arum said last month he can't imagine Pacquiao fighting teenage amateurs in what would surely be mismatches in the Olympics, warning "there will be serious health consequences" to putting experienced pros in with rank amateurs.

Even if pros are not allowed in Rio, the boxing competition will resemble the pro game more, with a 10-point must system scoring and no headgear for the first time.

'The Amateurs will beat the Professionals': Mike Tyson ridicules move to have pro-boxing in Olympics - Firstpost
 

kneeblock

Drapetomaniac
Apr 18, 2015
12,434
22,924
Tyson must have missed the part about the rule mods. My thing is, why fight for free for a medal when you can get millions for the same fight afterwards? This isn't running up and down a court or field with a ball at half speed like pros do in other sports. This is getting punched in the face.
 

Robbie Hart

All Kamala Voters Are Born Losers, Ha Ha Ha
Feb 13, 2015
51,712
52,039
I don't know, they just might adjust their fighting style (one would think), but that would take away from their professional focus