Mike Tyson’s first exhibition opponent won’t be Evander Holyfield

Mike Tyson said he won’t be facing old rival Evander Holyfield in his first exhibition for charity.

Mike Tyson evidently won’t face old rival Evander Holyfield when he returns to boxing in an exhibition. And he made it clear he isn’t doing it for his own gain.

Tyson, 53, has garnered worldwide attention with viral videos of working out and his stated intention of boxing again. Holyfield, 57, soon followed suit, generating speculation that the two might meet a third time.

Tyson told Lil Wayne on his “Young Money Radio” show that he’ll be facing someone else, although he didn’t say who.

“Nah, nah, we got many guys,” Tyson said, dismissing Holyfield as a potential first opponent. “Listen, we’ve got so many guys that want to do this man. We’re in calls, we’re doing business with guys right now. You’re not going to believe the names when the names come out. Some time this week we’ll have the contract done.

“And whatever money we get, it’s going to somebody else. I’m not going to make any money … probably the company, my wife, because she’s partners with me, she’ll make some probably. But my money is going [to charity].”

He went on: “I’m feeling better than I’ve ever felt in my life. God has been merciful to me, man. I’m gonna get on with it, I’m looking good. Yo, Wayne, I’m 230 [pounds] right now! Man I’m just getting ready you know, I’m just getting ready to help some people out who are less fortunate than me. I’m gonna do this charity event.

“I’m going to take this money and help these homeless, and we’re going to help these addicted brothers. Because I’ve been homeless and I’ve been addicted so I know the struggle. Not many people have survived like I did.”

Mike Tyson on bout with Evander Holyfield: ‘Awesome for charity’

Former heavyweight champ Mike Tyson apparently likes the idea of facing rival Evander Holyfield a third time even though they are 53 and 57.

Former heavyweight champ Mike Tyson apparently likes the idea of facing rival Evander Holyfield a third time even though they are 53 and 57, respectively.

And Iron Mike might’ve quashed any notion that they will engage in an actual fight. Tyson hasn’t fought since 2005, Holyfield since 2011.

“That would be awesome for charity,” Tyson said on TMZ Live. “… Can you imagine me and [Holyfield] going in the ring together? … Hey listen, there are a lot of people out there that need help, and something like that could help a lot of people that are in need of help.”

Tyson has repeatedly teased about a comeback in viral videos of him training, which bring back memories of one of the most feared fighters ever. Holyfield, a former two-division titleholder, followed suit with his own video workouts, in which he made it clear he wasn’t finished either.

And Holyfield said specifically that he would be open to facing Tyson in a controlled environment.

“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.”

So now we wait to see how this unfolds.

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.

Now Evander Holyfield, 57, says he’s returning to ring

Evander Holyfield followed Mike Tyson’s lead by announcing that he’s coming out of retirement to fight for charity.

Doesn’t anyone stay retired anymore?

Mike Tyson, 53, recently said he was feeling great and planned to take part in exhibitions for charity, after which a viral video of him hitting mitts prompted some to suggest he could return to professional boxing.

Now it’s 57-year-old Evander Holyfield’s turn. The former heavyweight champ and rival of Tyson announced on Twitter that he’s coming out of retirement to fight for charity.

“The moment you’ve all been waiting for. … The Champ is back! I’d like to announce that I will be making a comeback to the ring. I will be fighting in exhibition matches for a great cause. I’m training to promote a charity that’s very close to me.

“Our #Unite4OurFight campaign aims to provide students the resources they need for emotional development and education.”

Of course, Tyson and Holyfield should be applauded for their desire to help others. At the same time, everyone following this story line is thinking the same thing: Will these exhibitions lead to a lucrative third fight between the two Hall of Famers?

Tyson and Holyfield fought for the first time in November 1996, when the underdog Holyfield stunning the boxing world by stopping Tyson in the 11th round.

Mike Tyson decided to take a snake break in his second fight with Evander Holyfield. AFP via Getty Images

The rematch, in June 1997, was even more memorable. Tyson seemed to be heading toward another setback when he decided the right thing to do was gnaw off a portion of Holyfield’s ear, which resulted in his disqualification in Round 3.

Tyson was suspended for his actions but returned to fight until 2005. Holyfield forgave his rival and the two have been friendly for years.

Holyfield last fought in May 2011, when he stopped Brian Nielsen in 10 rounds at the age of 48.

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