George Foreman: Mike Tyson could become heavyweight champion

George Foreman is well known for having perhaps the most impressive comeback run in boxing history: becoming the oldest ever heavyweight champion at the ripe age of 45.

Today, Foreman envisions a similar path for Mike Tyson.

“If he gets in shape like he’s in now, and then gets his timing back … he can have an opportunity to fight for the title,” Foreman told USA Today on Sunday.

After an exhibition bout against Roy Jones, Jr., in which Tyson looked quite impressive, the former heavyweight king and “Baddest Man on the Planet” says he intends to continue competing.

While this was cause for concern among some, who note that Tyson is 54 years of age, Foreman is all for it. “Tyson looked great … and Roy Jones had to use every old skill out of the book to keep himself from being knocked out,” observed the legend.

In 1994, Foreman did the impossible by becoming heavyweight championship at age 45; knocking out then 26-year-old Michael Moorer in the 10th round and earning the WBA, IBF, and lineal titles.

While Tyson looked good on Saturday, Jones was able to evade the worst of his onslaughts. However, the shots that Tyson did connect on, were devastating. “My jaw still is sore,” Jones said. “He’s capable of fighting anybody because, truthfully, people are going to have problems getting out of the first couple rounds with him.”

Not everyone agrees with Foreman. Boxing analyst Teddy Atlas does not even think Tyson could last a round against the likes of Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, or Deontay Wilder. “It would be a one-round debacle,” said Atlas.

Nonetheless, it seems that “Iron” Mike intends to continue with his comeback.