'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.”

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

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?"