K-1 comments on Tyson, Briggs and Tua

[Tony Montana]

From K-1 website;

The issue that continues to be dwelled on by most is the possible participation in K-1 of former undisputed heavyweight boxing champion, “Iron” Mike Tyson. At The Bellagio last August, K-1 introduced the possibility of a Tyson-Sapp confrontation when the two fighters exchanged words inside the ring. The promotion continued to tease its followers by broadcasting a message via satellite from Tyson in Hawaii to Sapp in Nagoya, Japan’s Nagoya Dome during the New Years Eve K-1 “Dynamite” extravaganza.

Despite the willingness of other former boxing champions like Francois “The White Buffalo” Botha and “Cool” Vince Phillips to get it on with martial arts’ finest, Tyson has yet to back up his words with a commitment to fight under the rules embodied by K-1. While negotiations between Team Tyson and martial arts fighting’s most powerful organization drag on, the level of interest in the sport from other standout boxers, including Shannon Briggs and David Tua, continues to grow, setting the stage for an interesting and action-packed 2004.

Sounds like Tyson won't agree to K-1 rules and therefore may never fight in K-1.

[Dikslapu]

What is a joke to me is that Sapp is refered to as one of "martial arts finest". Does'nt sound like Tyson will ever compete in K1 unless it's under his rules. Sounds more like Royce Tyson to me.

[chosin]

In retrospect, I bet Vince Phillips wishes he hadn't agreed to K-1 rules. Seems like boxers underestimate the "kick" in kickboxing.

[kai]

In retrospect, I bet Vince Phillips wishes he hadn't agreed to K-1 rules. Seems like boxers underestimate the "kick" in kickboxing.

Completely agreed. Masato totally schooled him.

[kirby]

In my opinion, unless Tyson, Briggs, and Tua all spent a while learning kicks, kick defense, and knee defense, there going to get killed by K-1's top fighters.

[chosin]

"In my opinion, unless Tyson, Briggs, and Tua all spent a while learning kicks, kick defense, and knee defense, they're going to get killed by K-1's top fighters."

Exactly. It's no shame that Tyson isn't rushing to fight K-1--he's a boxer, not a kickboxer. The contrast in styles doesn't get properly acknowledged. After exclusively boxing your entire life, at age 35 you can't instantly become a top kickboxer, though not impossible. It works both ways--just like Ernesto Hoost or Jerome LeBanner wouldn't stand a chance against Tyson or Holyfield in a straight boxing match. Not to mention the money--K-1 doesn't seem to pay so well. What's the winner of the Final GP get--400,000? That's nothing compared to the purses Tyson's accustomed to.

[fist]

I think none of them will join K-1. K-1 probably paid them some money just for using their names for comercial purpose. There are two reasons I think they won`t fight:
1. Like Chosin said not enough $; probably only Tyson could get 1 000 000 $ or more and that is not enough for his appetite( if I remember correct Tyson never fought for less then 5 mil).
2. All these boxers watched Botha against Abidi(average K-1 fighter) and Fujimoto. Imagine them fighting Lebanner, Hunt, Remy, Mirko. I don`t think they would like to be schooled like that at the and of their career.