Mike Tyson officially confirmed to return to the ring in 2025
Tyson’s last night in the boxing ring was an unconvincing defeat to Jake Paul on November 15
The Impractical Jokers’ Joe Gatto has joked he will be fighting Iron Mike Tyson months after his defeat to Jake Paul, as he announces a new fitness television show and returns to home entertainment screens for the first time since 2022.
The 48-year-old Gatto, who starred in the TruTV (and later TBS) show from 2011-2020, jested he managed to book the ex-undisputed heavyweight champion for a bout in 2025 and included a mock poster of them promoting the fictional scrap.
But it’s all a ruse for a marketing ploy as he actually wanted to catch some attention to promote his upcoming show dedicated to health and fitness, where he insists he will push his body to the limit.
“Exciting news,” Gatto posted to X.com, formerly Twitter. “In 2025 I will enter the ring with the legendary @MikeTyson. Training starts 1/1/25 and you can watch it all on @hulu.
“My new show #FightingWeight will document my transformation from fat to fit as I push myself to the limit.
“I appreciate the support of all who made this happen & to @Bellagio for hosting the event this summer. New year. New me.”
Mike Tyson, meanwhile, continues to lick his wounds after his November 15 defeat to Paul at the AT&T Stadium and may not appear in the ring again in either an exhibition or professional capacity.
The 58-year-old’s return was already scrutinized for the 29-year age disparity between himself and his opponent and he later said he was grateful to finish the night, before later revealing he couldn’t even remember the fight.
“This is one of those situations when you lost but still won,” Tyson told Netflix after the final bell. “I’m grateful for last night.
“To have my children see me stand toe to toe and finish 8 rounds with a talented fighter half my age in front of a packed Dallas Cowboy stadium is an experience that no man has the right to ask for. Thank you.”
If Tyson never fights as a professional again, that means he ends a 40-year career that saw him become a two-time heavyweight champion and the youngest boxing champion in history, as well as being one-time undisputed.
He would bow out with a 50-7-0 record with 44 knockouts and five decisions. He last held the WBA and WBC titles in 1996 before losing them to Evander Holyfield. He later challenged Lennox Lewis for the unified belts, but lost via knockout.
