Before James Thompson virtually shattered the mystique surrounding Kimbo Slice, there was talk of Mike Tyson as a future opponent for Kimbo Slice. EliteXC president Gary Shaw said he would make that fight “in a heartbeat” if Tyson wanted it. Many quickly pointed to Tyson’s lack of formal MMA training and his current physical shape (or lack thereof) as reasons why such a fight wouldn’t materialize. Well, now it appears Tyson may be taking the necessary steps to correct those problems.
Word on the hot Vegas streets is that Mike Tyson is training again, but for what? The former heavyweight boxing champion and “Baddest Man on the Planet” has long been a source of speculation among MMA fans.
A source, who asked to remain anonymous, informed Sherdog.com that Tyson has been quietly “training his ass off” with a prominent strength and conditioning coach in the area. The source also stated that Tyson “is not going to do boxing anymore,” but when asked if “Iron Mike” was going to try MMA, the source shrugged, “I don’t know, I can’t say.”
Although there was no mention of a fight with Kimbo, one would think that would have to be Tyson’s endgame if this is in fact what he’s doing. Tyson’s over forty now and is likely looking for a payday more so than seeking a new challenge. A fight with Kimbo would bring him the largest payout, and give him the best chance to win over a big name heavyweight mixed martial artist.
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If Kimbo Slice wins his fight against James Thompson on the national stage, a lot of talk is going to heat up about who his next opponent will be. 
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One of the bigger rumors of this past week to come out was that Mike Tyson had ‘tentatively’ agreed to fight Kimbo Slice in EliteXC. Gary Shaw, EliteXC, president quickly shot the rumor down on an EliteXC media conference call, but didn’t rule it out either. In fact, it’s a fight Shaw is highly in favor of making.
