Mike Tyson, the former world heavyweight champion, revealed on Thursday that he would make his comeback at the age of 54 on September 12 against another veteran, Roy Jones Jr.

Tyson, who has not boxed for 15 years, will take on his fellow American in an eight-round exhibition bout to be broadcast as pay-per-view on a social media platform.

Reports suggested that the fight would be sanctioned by the California State Athletic Commission.

“I. AM. BACK. @legendsonlyleague . September 12th against @royjonesjrofficial on #triller and PPV,” he tweeted along with a video of him.

Later, in an appearance on ESPN’s First Take, Tyson explained his reasoning for a return to the ring.

“It’s because I can do it. And I believe other people believe they can do it too,” Tyson said. “Just because we are 54, it doesn’t mean that we have to start a new career and our lives are totally over. Not when you feel as beautiful as I do, and I’m sure that other people feel the same way.

“I never took that many punches. After the last fight I had, I left and I lived my life, and I’ve been through some experiences, and now I’m back here. I feel like I took better care of my body and my state of mind than most of the fighters before me that retired and came back.”

Tyson has been in the gym with coach Rafael Cordeiro during the coronavirus lockdown, with short videos of his explosive combinations thrilling fans who had calling for the return of ‘Iron Mike’, although the once-destructive heavyweight had quit in 2005, and last held a world title 24 years ago.

With former heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield also in training during lockdown, there had even been whispers of a trilogy fight between the pair, but Tyson’s opponent instead will be 51-year-old Jones, who held titles in four weight classes and who fought 75 times, the last of those in 2018.

Tyson finished his professional career with 50 wins and six losses and now runs a cannabis farm retreat.