Exclusive | When Ernesto Hoost Almost Fought Mike Tyson – SENSHI 29 Chat

Bee SENSHI On October 29, Ernesto Hoost sheds light on some lesser-known moments in K-1 history, including Mike Tyson’s close involvement with the promotion. Kickboxing legend Hoost recalled K-1’s attempts to expand in the early 2000s and saw Tyson as a way to break into the United States.

When Ernesto Hoost almost fought Mike Tyson

Ernesto Highthe greatest of all time in kickboxing and multiple K-1 World Grand Prix champion, spoke about his experiences in an exclusive interview with Tim Wheaton of LowKick MMA.

The rumors that Mike Tyson was involved with K-1 were related to the efforts of Kazuyoshi Ishii, the founder of K-1, to raise the profile of the promotion. Tyson attended several K-1 events and had serious conversations about joining the organization. Hoost recalled, “I remember Mike Tyson was at many of the K-1 fights… He was actually talking to K-1. However, Tyson reportedly had problems with K-1’s rules and financial terms. “He didn’t like the clinching rules and all that. In addition, there was also the money issue,” Hoost explains.

“It was serious at one point to join K-1. I think it was because there was a lot of money involved. They had talks with the boss of K-1, Mr. Ishii. So yes, there were serious discussions… It was about the prize, not about the fight itself. However, the talks were serious. At that time, K-1 had sumo wrestlers, professional boxers – everything.”

These conversations took place against a backdrop of controversy. Ishii was arrested in 2002 for tax evasion, with investigations uncovering fabricated contracts, including one with Tyson, intended to conceal financial transactions. Tyson’s involvement with K-1 was largely promotional, culminating in a famous event in Las Vegas in 2003, where Tyson challenged Bob Sapp to “Sign the contract, big boy. The expected super fight never took place due to visa complications and disagreements over the rules.

Hoost added: “At one point there was even talk about Mike Tyson coming in. It was about the prize, not the fight itself. However, the talks were serious.” He pointed out that while K-1 featured a variety of fighters, Dutch kickboxers like him were dominant. “America would have been much better off if they had a few American K-1 champions, and then K-1 could have really exploded in America. The Netherlands is a small market for fighting business. Now it’s slowly changing.”

The interview on SENSHI 29 offered a glimpse into a potential pillar moment in martial arts history. SENSHI is a kickboxing promotion that delivers impressive battles with fighters from all over the world. Seminars are also organized with legends such as Hoost, Semmy Schilt and some others. The event can be followed live on their YouTube.