Mike Tyson Launches Las Vegas Amateur Boxing Invitational

Legendary boxer sounds alarm on declining state of U.S. boxing, hopes event will boost grassroots interest.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Concerned about the declining state of amateur boxing in the United States, former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson has launched the Mike Tyson Invitational, a new amateur boxing event taking place March 12-14 in Las Vegas. Tyson, who developed his skills as a young fighter in New York in the 1980s, says "boxing is dying" and that there are not enough boxing clubs to nurture the next generation of talent. The invitational event is Tyson's attempt to help revive interest in the sport at the grassroots level.

Why it matters

As one of the most iconic and successful boxers of all time, Tyson's concerns about the current state of U.S. boxing carry significant weight. The decline of amateur and youth boxing programs across the country has led to a shortage of new talent coming up through the ranks, threatening the long-term future of the sport. Tyson hopes this new invitational event can help spark renewed interest and investment in boxing at the grassroots level.

The details

The Mike Tyson Invitational will feature top amateur boxers competing over a three-day period in Las Vegas. Tyson, who compiled a 50-7 professional record with 44 knockouts, says the event won't be a cure-all but is part of his efforts to work with organizations like UFC and TKO to boost interest and participation in the sport. Despite the continued popularity of high-profile professional fights, boxing has struggled with promoter fragmentation that has made it difficult to consistently match top fighters.

  • The Mike Tyson Invitational will take place March 12-14, 2026 in Las Vegas.

The players

Mike Tyson

A 59-year-old former heavyweight boxing champion and Hall of Famer who is concerned about the declining state of amateur and grassroots boxing in the United States.

Dana White

The CEO and President of the UFC, who Tyson plans to work with on efforts to boost interest and participation in boxing.

TKO

A boxing promotion company that has multi-year agreements with Saudi entities, and which Tyson also plans to work with on his invitational event.

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What they’re saying

“Listen, boxing is dying, we don't have enough boxing clubs.”

— Mike Tyson, Former Heavyweight Champion (ground.news)

“I was taught as a kid, boxing is about putting asses in seats.”

— Mike Tyson, Former Heavyweight Champion (ground.news)

What’s next

Tyson plans to continue working with organizations like UFC and TKO to promote the Mike Tyson Invitational and boost grassroots interest in boxing across the United States.

The takeaway

As one of the most legendary boxers of all time, Tyson's concerns about the declining state of amateur and youth boxing in America highlight the urgent need to invest in and revive the sport at the grassroots level. The Mike Tyson Invitational represents his attempt to spark renewed interest and participation in boxing, which he sees as essential to the long-term future of the sport.