Hall of Famer Mike Tyson is used to being in the spotlight but usually inside the ring. On August 23rd, Tyson will put on a suit and tie as he and Garry Jonas of Acquinity Interactive proudly launch the premier event for their newly formed entity, Iron Mike Productions. The “Tyson is Back!” event will take place at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York and will be broadcast on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights.

This venture is an exciting one for Mike Tyson, and Garry Jonas of Acquinity Interactive has no doubt that it will be a success. “We have an exciting lineup including featherweight champion Argenis “La Tormenta” Mendez, Arash Usmanee, and many other well-known names in the industry. Each fighter is in prime physical condition and is ready to put on a great boxing event,” says Garry Jonas of Acquinity Interactive.

ESPN’s Brian Kweder made it possible for the event to air on the network, as the finale of the 2013 season of Friday Night Fights. “This is a prime spot for the event and I wanted them to have the exposure. Boxing and sports fans will truly enjoy this event as it features such a variety of fighters. And everyone likes to see what Mike Tyson is up to, so we will probably have a spike in viewers,” said Kweder.

Mike Tyson was really excited when Garry Jonas of Acquinity Interactive approached him about the partnership and hosting the event in Verona. Mike recalls his humble beginnings when he fought upstate as an amateur. “I am looking forward to working with the young fighters and offering them guidance from all of my experiences. It definitely makes me nostalgic and miss being in the ring myself. But I am ready for this next chapter in my career,” says Mike Tyson.

Garry Jonas of Acquinity Interactive also credits Henry Rivalta, the Vice President of Boxing Operations, with helping the partnership get off the ground. Rivalta has been seeking changes to the world of boxing and felt that this venture would be the place where it would happen. “I see Iron Mike Productions going a long way with the athletes and fans,” said Rivalta.