Mike Tyson, 51, intends to return to boxing. The former heavyweight champion, who last fought Roy Jones Jr., 54, in 2020 and Evander Holyfield, 60, in 1997, tells TMZ Sports that he is willing to fight them again if the price is right.
Tyson, who returned to the ring in 2020, has not ruled out fighting again and has stated he would contemplate it if the financial offer were sufficient, saying “I could be persuaded.”
Having fought both Jones Jr. and Holyfield in the past, the boxing legend has a lengthy history with both men.
Iron Mike refused to disclose the amount of money required to convince him to participate in future fights with boxing legends, but he did say that he has recently been approached by Saudi Arabians who want “me to do this stuff too.”
Mike Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr.
The exhibition boxing match billed as “Lockdown Knockdown” featured former undisputed heavyweight world champion Mike Tyson and former four-division world champion Roy Jones Jr. The fight was sanctioned by the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) and took place at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles on November 28, 2020. With three former WBC champions serving as judges, the contest was controversially tallied as a split draw.
Mike Tyson vs. Evander Holyfield
Mike Tyson vs. Evander Holyfield, promoted as “Finally,” occurred on November 9, 1996, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Paradise, Nevada, for the WBA heavyweight championship. Tyson was making his first defence of the WBA championship he had gained from Bruce Seldon on September 7 of that year.
Mitch Halpern officiated the fight as the referee. The fight was promoted by Don King Productions and broadcast by Showtime on pay-per-view.
It was the first bout between the two combatants, and it was followed by a controversial rematch.
Evander Holyfield vs. Mike Tyson II
Evander Holyfield vs. Mike Tyson II, billed as the “Sound and the Fury” and subsequently infamously known as “The Bite Fight“, was a professional boxing match held on June 28, 1997, for the WBA Heavyweight Championship. After Tyson chewed off a portion of Holyfield’s ear, it became renowned as one of the most bizarre bouts in boxing history. Tyson was disqualified from the match and later had his boxing licence reinstated.
The match was held in the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The fight was officiated by Mills Lane, who was called in as a late replacement after Tyson’s camp protested Mitch Halpern’s (who officiated the first fight) selection as the referee.
Statistics
| Mike Tyson | Evander Holyfield | Roy Jones Jr. | |
| Total fights | 58 | 57 | 76 |
| Wins | 50 | 44 | 66 |
| Wins by KO | 44 | 29 | 47 |
| Losses | 6 | 10 | 10 |
| Draws | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| No contests | 2 | 1 |
Boxing fans are eagerly anticipating Tyson’s return to the ring and bouts against his past opponents. Nevertheless, given his age and the physical toll the sport can take on the body, it is crucial for Tyson to consider the potential risks and consequences of returning to boxing. It is also crucial for promoters and organisers to ensure that fights are conducted safely and fairly, and that the fighters’ health and well-being are prioritised.
