Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Boxing

Mike Tyson close to ring return aged 54 to face long-time rival Evander Holyfield, 58… 24-years on from last fight

MIKE TYSON and long-time rival Evander Holyfield are close to agreeing a sensational trilogy bout – 24-years on from their last fight.

Both the heavyweight legends are looking to defy age and mark successful comebacks.

Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield pictured in 2019
Mike Tyson was twice beaten by Evander Holyfield

Tyson, 54, started his off against Roy Jones Jr, 52, last November as the pair boxed to a draw over eight exhibition rounds.

The announcement in early 2020 that Tyson would fight again inspired Holyfield, 58, to begin training for his own return.

And now the former two-weight champion revealed on the Last Stand Podcast, that he and Tyson are ‘close’ to agreeing terms to fight.

SunSport in January first confirmed the iconic rivals were in talk for a trilogy bout.

Tyson was dramatically beaten by Holyfield, an underdog at the time, in 1996.

But their rematch a year later will forever be remembered for Iron Mike’s disgraceful third round disqualification, as he sunk his teeth into Holyfield’s ear.

The pair later patched things up and even enjoyed a friendship.

But now they could be ready to reignite their rivalry – all in the name of charity with their comebacks dedicated to raising money.

Holyfield is confident their third fight, which comes with the icons at a combined age of 112, can bank at least £150million ($200m).

He previously told us: “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 $200million.

“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.

“I’m happy if Mike fights me.”

MORE TO FOLLOW