'The fight is on with me and Holyfield': Mike Tyson keen on trilogy fight

Tyson, 54, says 'paperwork' only thing holding up third instalment despite Holyfield saying fight was off

Evander Holyfield lands a punch on Mike Tyson in the first round of their second fight in June 1997. Reuters

It seems Mike Tyson’s trilogy fight with Evander Holyfield, almost a quarter of a century after their last encounter, could be on after all.

On Monday, Holyfield’s representatives claimed a potential money-spinning exhibition bout was off because Tyson had rejected an offer of $25 million to box his old rival for a third time.

However, during an interview late Tuesday with Haute Living, Tyson reported confidence in the match-up being made, with late May the date. The Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, has already been mooted as host venue.

“I can see that happening, being in there, me and Holyfield, yeah,” Tyson said. “Only thing we have to do is get some small, fundamental difference in paperwork done and it’s on to the races with me and Evander.

“I just want everybody to know the fight is on with me and Holyfield. Holyfield is a humble man. I know that. He’s a man of God, but I’m God’s man. Listen, I’m going to be successful May 29.”

Former heavyweight champions Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield in Las Vegas on February 22, 2020 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. AFP

Now 54 and 58 respectively, Tyson and Holyfield first met in the ring in November 1996, when the latter secured a shock victory via an 11th-round TKO. The pair rematched the following June in what would become one of the sport’s most infamous fights: the clash at the MGM Grand Garden Arena was halted in the fourth round when an irate Tyson was disqualified for twice biting Holyfield’s ear. It was subsequently billed “The Bite Fight”. Tyson had his boxing license revoked – it was later reinstated - while he was also fined $3 million. He officially retired in 2005.

Mike Tyson v Roy Jones Jr

Mike Tyson enters the ring for his exhibition boxing bout against Roy Jones Jr in Los Angeles. Triller via AP

Mike Tyson throws a punch in the fifth round against Roy Jones Jr. AFP

Mike Tyson (R) throws a punch in the fourth round against Roy Jones Jr. AFP

Roy Jones Jr., left, and Mike Tyson pose for photos after their exhibition boxing bout in Los Angeles. The bout was unofficially ruled a draw by the WBC judges at ringside. Triller via AP

Roy Jones Jr. (L) throws a punch in the second round against Mike Tyson. AFP

Mike Tyson (L) throws a punch in the third round against Roy Jones Jr. AFP

Mike Tyson exits the ring after his split draw against Roy Jones, Jr. Reuters

Mike Tyson shakes hands with Roy Jones, Jr. after their split draw. Reuters

Mike Tyson is interviewed after his split draw against Roy Jones, Jr. Reuters

Mike Tyson fights Roy Jones, Jr. during a heavyweight exhibition boxing bout for the WBC Frontline Belt. Reuters

Mike Tyson and Roy Jones, Jr. exchange punches during a heavyweight exhibition boxing bout for the WBC Frontline Belt. Reuters

Mike Tyson lands a body shot on Roy Jones, Jr. during their heavyweight exhibition boxing bout for the WBC Frontline Belt at the Staples Center. Reuters

Mike Tyson lands a jab on Roy Jones, Jr. during a heavyweight exhibition boxing bout. Reuters

Mike Tyson attempts to block a punch thrown by Roy Jones, Jr. Reuters

Mike Tyson lands a punch on Roy Jones, Jr. during their heavyweight exhibition boxing bout. Reuters

Mike Tyson has a shot blocked by Roy Jones, Jr. during their heavyweight exhibition boxing bout. Reuters

Mike Tyson and Roy Jones, Jr. trade punches during their heavyweight exhibition boxing bout. Reuters

Mike Tyson coners Roy Jones, Jr. during their heavyweight exhibition boxing bout. Reuters

Mike Tyson and Roy Jones, Jr. pose with their belts after a split draw. Reuters

The American, the youngest heavyweight champion in boxing history, fought an exhibition against Roy Jones Jr in November. Even though the bout was declared a draw, it was considered a ratings success.

However, on Saturday, Tyson took to Instagram to say he would never again work with Triller, the broadcaster of the Jones fight.

Then, in his conversation with Haute Living, Tyson suggested the promoter of the proposed Holyfield event might represent that final hurdle to overcome, saying: "We don't need promoters. Promoters? What's a promoter? Overrated cheerleader? They tell the fighter how great he is: 'Yeah, you're the best. You'll beat everybody.' What do you need [them for]? I like the promoters, personally, but what do you need somebody in that position of business [for] to dictate your business?"