Evander Holyfield: ‘Yes, I want to fight Mike Tyson’

Evander Holyfield likes the sound of a third fight with Mike Tyson, although the word “fight” shouldn’t be taken too literally.

Evander Holyfield likes the sound of a third fight with Mike Tyson, although the word “fight” shouldn’t be taken too literally.

Holyfield, 57, and Tyson, 53, have talked about returning to the ring in exhibitions for charity. And what better match up to attract attention than Holyfield vs. Tyson III?

However, Holyfield made it clear that the former rivals – who have become friendly – wouldn’t be out for blood.

“I would do that!” Holyfield told The Sun. “Yes, I want to fight Mike Tyson. My whole thing is I’m open, and I know that I want to do well for myself at age 57. I can definitely handle him. But Mike would have to want to do it as well.

“We have to come up with something that is not a knockout grudge match. It’s not about who can beat who but to show people we were some of the greatest fighters in our era and we’ve come together as men to do something for others.

“I don’t have anything against Mike personally. The thing is I think it would be good for the sport. And even though boxing is a rough sport, we can show people we can come together. If we do this fight, it would be great.

“I can still shoot the jab, I can still shoot the shots, but not like a killing thing, [not like] ‘I’m going to hurt you, I’m going to show you that I can knock him out.’ Mike is looking sharp, but I’m in very good condition and shape physically and mentally. And if the money is right, too, then let’s get it on.

“I know he’s getting offers from all types of people. Since we have both announced a comeback, a fight between me and Mike would definitely be the fight people want to see.”

Holyfield, as much as a 25-1 underdog, stunned the boxing world by knocking out Tyson in 11 rounds on Nov. 9, 1996. In the rematch, the following June 28, Tyson was disqualified in the third round after biting Holyfield’s ear.

Holyfield has since forgiven Tyson.