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Mike Tyson’s biggest rival is also staging an epic comeback to boxing later this year, so let the speculation begin about the two former heavyweight champions facing each other again.
In 1996, Evander Holyfield stopped Tyson in the 11th round to pull off one of the biggest upsets in boxing history. The two met again a year later in the infamous “Bite Fight” that was stopped by referee Mills Lane after a frustrated Tyson bit Holyfield’s ear.
After teasing his own comeback plan three days ago on Instagram, Holyfield, 57, from Atlanta, Ga., officially announced via social media that he was also headed back to boxing.
“I’d like to announce that I will be making a comeback to the ring,” Holyfield posted on Twitter. “I will be fighting in exhibition matches for a great cause.”
That leaves us with two huge questions.
Is Tyson-Holyfield 3 on the way?
Is Lennox Lewis coming back, too?
Holyfield’s Comeback Plan Eerily Similar to Tyson’s Plan
Holyfield’s comeback plan seems eerily similar to what Tyson said two weeks ago during his chat with rapper TI on Instagram Live.
“I want to go to the gym and get in shape to be able to box three- or four-round exhibitions for some charities and stuff,” Tyson said. “Some charity exhibition, make some money, help some homeless and drug-affected (vulgarity), you know, like me.”
Like Tyson, Holyfield also plans to compete in exhibition fights for charity. According to the link Holyfield shared in his comeback post, Unite4OurFight.org’s mission is to help fill the voids opened by the COVID-19 outbreak.
The charity pledges to help first responders and their families as well as kids affected by the pandemic.
Holyfield: ‘There Are Still Millions of People who Struggle’
Holyfield’s rise from poverty in Georgia to becoming one of the most successful athletes of his era is a remarkable story, one the former boxing champion believes can help him help others during this trying time.
Holyfield posted, “I grew up poor. My father did not have an education, and my mother only had a fourth-grade education, but they worked hard. There are still millions of people who struggle and whose children have to struggle because of it.”
I grew up poor. My father did not have an education, and my mother only had a fourth-grade education, but they worked hard. There are still millions of people who struggle and whose children have to struggle because of it. Please consider donating today: t.co/dfSo0HvV2O
Holyfield (44-10-2, 29 KOs) hasn’t fought since defeating Brian Nielsen via 10th-round stoppage in 2011. He was the first undisputed cruiserweight champion and remains the only heavyweight champion in history to win at least a piece of the world championship four times.
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Twitter: @Kelsey_McCarson