Tyson Signs With K-1

29.08 - Former undisputed heavyweight boxing champion, "Iron" Mike Tyson, signed an exclusive management and rights of refusal agreement with K-1 on Friday, August 22nd in Beverly Hills, California.

"We're very excited about the opportunity to work with Mike Tyson, who is a world class athlete of the highest caliber," said K-1 North America CEO and chief promoter, Scott Coker. Coker was hired by K-1 headquarters in Japan three years ago to fulfill the task of bringing the world's fastest growing sport to the United States. "Mike has accomplished so much in the sport of boxing and we are confident that he will help bring great attention to the sport of K-1 here in America and throughout the world."

According to the contract he signed, Tyson is permitted to continue his fighting career in the United States, but he may only compete in Japan under the promotion of the K-1 organization.

The Tyson signing came exactly one week after the former champion engaged in a verbal altercation with K-1's most popular superstar, Bob Sapp. After Sapp earned a second round knockout during his United States fighting debut at Las Vegas, Nevada's Bellagio Hotel and Casino, the 6 foot 3 inch, 356-pound former NFL football player spotted Tyson in the crowd and began to taunt him. Tyson reacted by storming the ring and challenging Sapp to a matchup.

No word has been given as to when Tyson will see his first K-1-promoted fight or whom he will face. According to Coker, though, a bout with Sapp is a near-future possibility.

Tyson's last boxing bout came on Saturday, February 22nd when he flattened Clifford "The Black Rhino" Etienne just 49 seconds into the first round of their scheduled 10-round meeting at Memphis, Tennessee's Pyramid Arena. The victory boosted Tyson's record to 50-4 (44 KO's) with 2 no contests.

K-1 is a martial arts combat sport that derives its name from its inclusion of a wide array of martial arts disciplines, including Karate, Kung-Fu, and Kickboxing ("K"), and its intent to determine one champion in one ring ("1"). After being staged for the first time in Japan in 1993 under the direction of founder Master Kazuyoshi Ishii, it later evolved into the country's most popular sport and achieved popular culture status there as its athletes turned into larger-than-life celebrities.