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Mike Tyson on pro boxers in the Olympics: 'ridiculous, foolish'

Mike Tyson, not a fan of pro boxers in the Olympics. (AP)
Mike Tyson, not a fan of pro boxers in the Olympics. (AP)

The whole idea of amateurs in the Olympics is a quaint little idea that bears no connection to present-day reality, when pro basketball, tennis, golf, and hockey players play under their country's flag. But there's at least one sport that ought to stay amateur-only for the good of all involved: boxing.

So says Mike Tyson, a man who knows a thing or two about the damage that can result when punching unqualified people in the head. There's a proposal afoot to allow professional boxers in the Rio Games, and Tyson thinks it's a terrible idea ... but not necessarily for the reasons you'd think.

"It's ridiculous, it's foolish and some of the pro fighters are going to get beat by the amateurs," Tyson said at an appearance in China to promote boxing. "It's just going to happen. Some of them are going to get beat I think. I really believe that."

The issue isn't so much training as format; amateur matches go four rounds, while professional ones can last up to 12. Tyson believes a prepared amateur could take out a pro built for the long haul, and has the experience to back it up.

"For three rounds, four rounds, some of the professional boxers aren't going to be able to catch these guys," he said. "These guys are going to be fast for three rounds, four rounds. [Professionals] are not going to be accustomed to that."

Of course, if a pro is able to catch up with an amateur, a likely scenario, there could be some real problems. A pro's punch against an underprepared teenager could be devastating, particularly given the fact that Olympic matches will run without headgear this year.

Tyson boxed with distinction at the Junior Olympics, winning gold in 1981 and 1982, but was defeated in trials for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games. He turned professional shortly thereafter.

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Jay Busbee is a writer for Yahoo Sports and the author of EARNHARDT NATION, on sale now at Amazon or wherever books are sold. Contact him at jay.busbee@yahoo.com or find him on Twitter or on Facebook.