Foreman to Tyson: It’s insanity

George Foreman has likened Mike Tyson’s boxing comeback to ‘‘temporary’’ insanity and issued a stark warning ahead of this weekend’s fight in California.

Former heavyweight champion Tyson, 54, takes on former multi-divisional champion Roy Jones Jnr, 51, in an exhibition fight on Sunday that has captured the attention of the fight world.

‘‘It’s temporary insanity,’’ Foreman said of making a return to action like Tyson’s.

‘‘I liken it to a guy who wants to get on a boat and go out to sea. It seems like so much fun, so peaceful, so he wants to get out there and do it.

‘‘Then he gets out there and the big waves start coming and the sea is rough and it’s raining and the wind is blowing and he asks himself, ‘Lord, why did I ever do this?’’’

Foreman, who spent almost 10 years out of the ring before returning in 1987 to start a successful quest to capture another world title, admits the lure of the ring can be irresistible. But the realities of stepping between the ropes again can be harsh.

‘‘It’s happened to so many of us. And you realise you should have stayed home on the dry land where everything is nice and safe,’’ Foreman said.

‘‘The thing that is hard when you start to think of coming back, you remember what you could do back in the day. But you have to reclaim that hardness you once had and the timing. That’s what you lose after so many years away and it’s so hard to get back.’’