Conor McGregor backed by Mike Tyson in new role as boxing great opens up on friendship

Mike Tyson has backed Conor McGregor to be a successful promoter as the UFC star switches from being in big fights to making them.

The Dubliner became a part-owner of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) earlier this year and attended a major event for the promotion in Marbella, Spain, last month.

McGregor, who has two fights remaining on his UFC contract, has big plans for BKFC going forward and he looks to attract a number of boxers into the promotion, including former two-time world champion Regis Prograis, who lost to Jack Catterall last weekend.

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"I'm sure he'll make a good career in promoting fights," Tyson told the Irish Mirror about McGregor, who he described as a "good man" doing a "great job".

"He's a good man. Things that he may have done that was crazy in the past is part of growing up and learning in life," added Tyson.

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"He's just learning in life, growing up and learning what he wants to do, what he doesn't want to do in life, who he wants to be in life, who he doesn't want to be in life.

"It's just a part of growing stages in life. He's doing a great job."

McGregor has not fought in over three years since suffering a horror leg break in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier. He was due to return to the Octagon to face Michael Chandler in June, but withdrew from the bout after breaking a toe in training.

The former two-weight world champion is expected to fight in early 2025, but it remains to be seen who his opponent will be.

Meanwhile, heavyweight great Tyson is preparing for his first professional boxing bout in almost 20 years. The Brooklyn native faces Jake Paul at the AT&T Stadium in Texas on November 15, with Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano clashing in the co-main event for the Bray Bomber's super-lightweight world titles.

• Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano face off in the most anticipated women’s boxing rematch in history. Taylor vs. Serrano 2 will be the co-main event of Paul vs. Tyson. Friday, November 15th at 8pm ET | 5pm PT. Live on Netflix. Watch The Trailer Here. For more info, check out https://katietaylor.ie/

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