Tyrone Spong Discusses His Return to Karate Combat: "I’m Not Done Yet"
After an undefeated 14-0 record as a professional boxer and an illustrious kickboxing career, Tyrone Spong made the decision to step away from combat sports in 2019. Aside from a brief return to MMA in 2022, the heavyweight knockout artist had been largely absent from the spotlight—until now. On May 2, Spong will make his long-awaited return to the Karate Combat pit, challenging Sam Alvey for the heavyweight title.
In an exclusive interview with MMA Fighting ahead of Karate Combat 54 in Dubai, Spong explained what brought him back to the sport after a three-year hiatus.
"I just feel I’m not done yet," Spong shared. "Physically and mentally, I’m still in it. I’ve been doing this for over two decades—countless fights. I just needed a break. Life happens, things change, and you focus on other aspects of your life. No matter how gifted you are, there comes a point when you either don’t want to do it anymore, or you can’t. I took time off to focus on things that needed my attention outside of fighting."
However, it wasn’t just his own drive that sparked his return—Spong’s son, a 16-year-old aspiring fighter, played a pivotal role in reigniting his competitive spirit.
"I pray none of my kids would ever want to fight, but my son is all in," Spong revealed. "It’s his passion, and as his father, it’s my responsibility to show him how it's done. Watching him mature and take such a strong interest in this sport is one of my biggest motivations right now."
Despite the challenges that come with returning to the ring after such a long time, Spong’s love for the sport—and the joy he finds in training alongside his son—has reignited his fire.
"I’m going to fight this fight and see where it takes me," Spong added. "My plan is to stay active, to make a comeback, and to bring that same intensity and success I had before. Success from the past doesn’t guarantee the future, but I feel good, and I’m excited to get back to it."
For Spong, this comeback isn’t just about revisiting past triumphs—it’s about sharing that journey with the next generation and finding fulfillment once again in the sport he’s dedicated so much of his life to.
Tyrone Spong on His Return to Karate Combat: "I’m an Assassin for Hire"
Tyrone Spong is heading to Dubai for his first match in over three years, set to challenge Sam Alvey for the Karate Combat heavyweight title. Despite his son’s passion for the sport, Spong won’t have him in Dubai—partly due to the distance and the logistical demands of fight week, but also because of the intense focus required for the mission at hand.
"I’m a bit old school," Spong explained. "I might even be considered boring because I don’t care for any of the hype. I don’t like interviews. I prefer letting my work speak for itself. I’ve been like that my entire career. We live in a different time now, where a lot of nonsense gets rewarded, and the hard workers don’t always get their due. I don’t like bringing anyone to my fights. If you want to come, fine, but I’m not seeking it. I’m here to do my job, to handle my business."
Spong’s disinterest in the trash-talking trend that has taken over combat sports was evident when asked about today’s fighters.
"It’s entertaining, but it’s not in my character," he said. "I get it, fans like it, but I couldn’t care less. I come from an era when if people talked about you, it meant you earned it with your actions, not online banter. Sure, there are guys who are both skilled and great self-promoters, but for me, the best promotion is simply fighting well. I’m very old school in that sense."
Despite his absence from the scene, Spong has been approached by other companies, but it was Karate Combat’s unique format that piqued his interest. With an extensive background across various disciplines, Spong feels that Karate Combat offers a fresh and fan-friendly atmosphere.
"Every fight interests me," he said. "As long as it’s a challenge, and people enjoy it, I’m in. I’m an assassin for hire. I’ve had success in boxing, kickboxing, and MMA, but this format is exciting. Combat sports are always evolving, and I believe Karate Combat has a bright future. Fans don’t like it when fights get stalled on the ground—they want action and violence. This style delivers that."
As for what winning the Karate Combat belt would mean to him, Spong is candid about his perspective on titles and achievements.
"First, I need to win it," Spong said. "But honestly, a title doesn’t mean much to me. I’ve collected enough belts in boxing and kickboxing to last a lifetime—10-time world champion across six weight classes. I’ve beaten legends and champions, and that’s what matters. I’ve never been motivated by titles. I’m just a regular guy. I want my kids to see me as a champion in life—that’s what’s most important."
Spong’s approach to the fight against Alvey is rooted in his history of devastating knockouts, with a 93% finishing rate in boxing. While he’s known for his power, Spong remains realistic about predicting the outcome.
"People know who I am, and my record speaks for itself," he said. "I’ve had a lot of knockouts, and they know I’m powerful. But I’ve never predicted fights. I don’t have a crystal ball. I know one thing: when I fight, I find a way to win—by any means necessary."
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