Former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir is set to become the latest mixed martial artist to try his hand in a boxing ring after reportedly agreeing to fight former multiple time light heavyweight champion Antonio Tarver.
Tarver, 52, hasn’t competed in the ring since a 2015 draw against Steve Cunningham but is set to confirm his ring return against Mir on the undercard of the upcoming Ben Askren vs. Jake Paul boxing match in what will be the ex-UFC heavyweight champion’s first professional boxing match.
And judging by his response on Twitter, Mir is excited at the opportunity.
I am a competitor. I have been all my life.
I take on challenges to grow and better myself as a person.
I have always wanted to test myself in the boxing ring so when this opportunity arose I jumped on it.
See you April 17th @AntonioTarver #MirTarver— Frank Mir (@thefrankmir) February 25, 2021
“I am a competitor,” Mir wrote online. “I have been all my life. I take on challenges to grow and better myself as a person. I have always wanted to test myself in the boxing ring so when this opportunity arose I jumped on it. See you April 17th [Antonio Tarver].”
Mir fought the majority of his career with the UFC but moved to Bellator MMA for the final three bouts on his career to date, where he lost to Fedor Emelianenko and Javy Ayala while he defeated Roy Nelson in his sole victory under the Bellator banner.
Tarver, meanwhile, will be remembered by some for his portrayal of Mason ‘The Line’ Dixon in the 2006 ‘Rocky Balboa’ movie alongside Sylvester Stallone.
