Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson had two memorable fights in the 1990s.
Their first encounter came in 1996, where Tyson was defending his WBA heavyweight title.
‘Iron Mike’ was a big favourite heading into the bout, but Holyfield caused the upset by securing an 11th round stoppage win to become the new champion.
An immediate rematch took place just over six months later, and infamously ended in the third round when Tyson bit the ear of Holyfield and was disqualified.
After both men had retired, nobody expected to see the legendary heavyweights back in the ring, but ‘Iron Mike’ made a shock return this year to take on YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul.
It was Tyson’s first professional bout since 2005, but he was unable to get the win and it was a difficult watch witnessing the 58-year-old icon in the ring at that age.
Despite ‘Iron Mike’ looking a shell of his former self, Holyfield revealed after the fight that he wanted to take on Tyson again in a trilogy contest.
Tyson quickly shot down the request saying that they are friends, and now Holyfield has taken to social media to admit that he knows it is the correct decision.
“After years of talkin’ about it, one last dance might’ve been nice… but Mike’s right—the trilogy is our friendship and respect.
“We’ve both punched our way to greatness, but it’s the respect we’ve earned that keeps the fight alive. The fans have spoken—no need for gloves to keep this friendship strong!”
While a Holyfield vs. Tyson trilogy won’t be happening, that hasn’t stopped ‘The Real Deal’ recently giving his prediction for how a prime ‘Iron Mike’ would have done against current heavyweight star Tyson Fury.
