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After watching boxing great Mike Tyson fight it out with Jake Paul, the American sprinter wants a similar old vs young track showdown with US legend Michael Johnson.
Former heavyweight boxer Mike Tyson rolled back the years when he threw himself in the ring with US boxer and actor Jake Paul on Saturday morning to the delight of millions of fans around the world.
Tyson eventually lost in a unanimous decision during the showdown that saw the 58-year-old slug it out with the 27-year-old, in what was his first professional fight in nearly 20 years, but his bravery to still go into the ring and throw punches against a man 31 years younger was lauded.
The fight, which took place at the home of the Dallas Cowboys in Texas, seems to be inspiring other such similar showdowns between old and young in other sports with American sprinter David Verburg challenging US sprint legend Michael Johnson to a race.
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08:18 - 13.11.2024
Grand Slam Track: Why UK turned down hosting Michael Johnson's new event despite Keely Hodgkinson's star power
UK Athletics has turned down the chance to host Michael Johnson’s new Grand Slam Track series, choosing instead to focus on building the London Diamond League into a premier event for British athletics.
“Since Jake Paul is getting a chance to fight Mike Tyson. I just need one race. Let me know the terms and the distance @MJGold [Michel Johnson],” Verburg challenged Johnson on X.
The former Olympics champion and 400m world record holder gave him a cryptic response which suggests a similar showdown might not take place after all.
“Let me know who you wanna race?” Johnson replied with a laugh emoji before Verburg answered back: “I have some ideas that I think would be popular. What’s the best way to contact you or your people?”
Johnson, 57, who retired after the Sydney 2000 Olympics after claiming four Olympics and eight world titles, appears not ready for a showdown with 33-year-old Verburg, the 2016 Rio Olympics 4x400m relay champion.
The former 400m world record holder would perhaps have a better chance given Verburg’s last competitive race was in 2018, three years after winning his second world title in 4x400m relay.
Johnson is currently involved with the Grand Slam Track, set to be the highest paying track event, with the inaugural edition set for 2024 where four legs have been lined up in Kingston, Jamaica, Miami, Philadelphia and Los Angeles.
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