Tyson vs. Holyfield Part III?

[2.2L EH2]

Holyfield and Tyson in talks over rematch of infamous fight

Thursday February 28, 2008
The Guardian

Evander Holyfield has revealed that he and Mike Tyson are considering the possibility of fighting each other for a third time in a bout that, should it proceed, would be the most controversial in boxing history. In an exclusive interview with the Guardian, Holyfield, who has been the world heavyweight champion a record four times, said that Tyson had approached him, through an intermediary, to discuss a rematch after their infamous second fight in 1997 ended in disgrace. Tyson, showing unprecedented savagery, bit Holyfield twice and tore off a chunk of his ear - which he then spat to the canvas.

"There has been some talk between us," Holyfield said. "Mike had Jeff Fenech, who's been training him, call me a few months ago. Jeff says Mike wants to fight me again - but he needs to know if I would agree to it. I said, 'It all depends on what they gonna give us - because I'm gonna catch a lot of flak if I say I'm fighting Mike Tyson again. I've already said I don't want to fight Mike no more'. Jeff says, 'What if Mike gets in proper shape?' I told him that's OK but I can't be part of it if Mike's going to pull out. Jeff said, 'The main thing Mike wants to know is if you would be willing to fight him again?' I said, 'Yeah, if the price is right, I probably would'."

In contrast to Tyson, Holyfield has prided himself on his dignity and respect for boxing tradition. But in recent years fears have been expressed for his health as he continues to fight on in an improbable pursuit of a fifth title. Dismissing such concerns, the 45-year-old also countered suggestions that Tyson would be extremely unlikely to summon the necessary discipline to fight again. "I think he could - if he wanted to. I don't underestimate no man. He's 41 now. I'm four years older but the big difference is I've always kept in shape. Who knows with Mike? Soon after Jeff called, Mike went to South Africa and it's gone quiet since then."

Holyfield, who knocked out Tyson when they first fought in 1996, was paid an unprecedented $34m (£17m) for their notorious second bout. Whereas Tyson is in desperate need of money, Holyfield has held on to much of his wealth - and now feels a strange empathy with the former "baddest man on the planet".

The staunchly religious Holyfield suggested that "I'm just one woman away, my mother, from being the same as Tyson. I would've ended up like him if my mama had not been so tough and strong. She lavished attention on me and that gave me security. Mike never had that, so I feel compassion for him. He's only partially out of boxing because he don't know how to move ahead. Mike wants to be accepted as a normal person but he's done things people ain't gonna forget.

"Mike reads a lot and that tells you he's not an ignorant person. I bet if you asked him about his [facial] tattoo he'd tell you all about its original significance. He's a deep thinker but he's very impulsive. By the time he's 50 he might be a decent guy but, right now, he still unsettles people."

Even hardened boxing fans will feel unsettled by the prospect that the perennially troubled Tyson and an aged, battered Holyfield might face each other again in a contest that would resemble a freak show rather than an authentic fight.

I'm all for this trainwreck. Mike is back yall

[Chubz]

I love Tyson, always will. But I wouldnt watch this. Tyson always has a punchers chance, but he's already admitted he was done with boxing 12 years ago and has only been fighting for the money

[Raider1one]

I'd love to see this just for the possible trainwreck aspect.. I mean, it would be great to see Tyson Bite off Holyfields other EAR LMAO.. That be what he gets for trying to grab some more dough, even though both of these guys are WAAAy over the hill....
Another possibility, is that Holyfields gonna beat the shit out of Tyson for payback....

[jackmcmanus21]

there were talks going around about Tyson fighting MMA fighter and street brawler Kimbo Slice too

[Darius Ali]

I will for sure pay to see this only because Im a huge Tyson fan. But as far as Kimbo goes, right now Tyson would get his ass beat. Because Kimbo has that killer instinct still. Mike lost it years ago. There is a movie about Tysons life coming out soon. Jamie Fox plays him. I can't wait to see it.