Former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir has stepped away from active competition. But he cannot pass up the chance to fulfill a life-long dream.
Mir, who fought over 30 times in MMA including key battles with Brock Lesnar and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, will box Antonio Tarver on the upcoming Triller card featuring Ben Askren and Jake Paul.
“I am a competitor,” Mir posted on Twitter. “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.”
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
After his long run in the UFC, Mir joined Bellator MMA. He last fought in 2019, besting Roy Nelson via decision.
Back in late 2020, Mir signed with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.
Tarver has not competed inside the boxing ring since 2015 when he fought Steve Cunningham to a draw. The now 52-year-old is a former holder of the WBA, WBC, IBO and IBF light heavyweight titles along with the IBO cruiserweight belt.
During his career, Tarver had a trilogy of fights with Roy Jones, Jr. where he won two of the three.