Evander Holyfield, now 58 years old, is in talks for a third fight with Mike Tyson. The bout would be an exhibition event that would see the two legendary heavyweights square off since the last time they did back in June, 1997 in Las Vegas.
Their notorious late 90’s rematch ended in chaos when Tyson lost emotional control and bit a chunk of flesh from Holyfield’s ear in the 3rd round. He was eventually disqualified, giving the “Real Deal” the win. Trouble erupted in the MGM Grand Garden arena that rapidly spread throughout the MGM hotel where gambling tables were overturned and gun shots were allegedly heard being fired. Tyson’s actions cost him $3,000,000 and he was suspended from boxing for over a year.
Now, it seems that both of the former champions could see one another again to trade leather in the not too distant future. Only this time in a friendly exhibition match, perhaps one that resembles the recent Mike Tyson v Roy Jones Jr bout.
Holyfield told Sunsport:
“People do what they choose to do and for whatever reason they have, they do it. The thing is that if it’s meant to be it will happen, either way, it is what it is. What I can tell you is that my team is talking to Mike’s management, so I’m waiting for a decision. They are communicating right now.
“The thing is I’m still training for this, I know it will be some day this deal will happen and I’m ready for him. I’m doing OK. My views are you always help people. I try to pass on the goodness that was passed onto me. Where an opportunity is available, I like to make the best out of what I have. I believe if I fought Mike the fight will generate $200 million.
“It will be the biggest fight there is. That’s the honest truth. I think Mike has my message already. If he is going to do it he is, if not then he’s not. It’s a decision he has to make now and we both have to be in an agreement.
“I’m not going to tell anybody what I’m going to do – my strategy I’m planning on using against Mike – I don’t want anyone to know.”
Mike Tyson is now 54. But despite the ages of both men, there is little doubt that an exhibition contest involving the pair would still generate a lot of money given the stock that both of their names hold and the tension filled way the second fight concluded. As long as they pass all of the medical tests required of them and are able to get themselves back into fighting shape then I don’t see any why it cannot happen.
Of course, if Tyson and Holyfield were discussing a return to fight as professionals once again then I would hold a much different view. But that does not appear to be the case.
After the way the fans got all gushing with enthusiasm after it was announced that Tyson was going to fight Roy Jones in an exhibition fight then logically this will only heighten their emotions even more in anticipation!
I can’t say I can blame them.
