Evander Holyfield urges Mike Tyson to take ‘great’ trilogy fight and admits old enemy is ‘looking sharp’ aged 53
EVANDER HOLYFIELD is ready to arrange a sensational trilogy fight with Mike Tyson with the message: "Let's give the people what they want."
The heavyweight rivals are in talks to dust off their gloves and step back inside the ring 23 years after their dramatic night in Las Vegas.
Seven months after Holyfield stunned Tyson, the pair met for a second time which became world-renowned as 'The Bite Fight.'
In the third round, Tyson amazingly bit off part of Holyfield's ear leading to disqualification and a £2.4million fine.
Despite hanging up his gloves 15-years ago, 53-year-old Tyson is back in the gym showing off his frightening pace and power.
It appears to be inspiring Holyfield, 57, who is also using back hitting the pads in preparation for a comeback against his old foe in a charity match.
When asked whether he would take on Tyson for the third time, he told SunSport: "I would do that! Yes, I want to fight Mike Tyson.
"My whole thing is I’m open, and I know that I want to do well for myself at age 57. I can definitely handle him.
"But Mike would have to want to do it as well.
If the money is right, too, then let’s get it on.
Evander Holyfield
"We have to come up with something that is not a knockout grudge match.
"It’s not about who can beat who, but to show people we were some of the greatest fighters in our era and we’ve come together as men to do something for others.
"I don’t have anything against Mike personally, the thing is I think it would be good for the sport and even though boxing is a rough sport, we can show people we can come together.
"If we do this fight it would be great. I can still shoot the jab, I can still shoot the shots, but not like a killing thing, ‘I’m going to hurt you, I’m going to show you that I can knock him out’.
"Mike is looking sharp, but I’m in very good condition and shape physically and mentally.
"And if the money is right, too, then let’s get it on.
"I know he’s getting offers from all types of people. Since we have both announced a comeback, a fight between me and Mike would definitely be the fight people want to see."
Iron Mike has received offers of a comeback fight - including from former rugby star Sonny Bill Williams and Tyson Fury's dad John - but he will only entertain more serious offers.
As SunSport revealed over the weekend, Tyson is only willing to step into the ring with a "bona fide" opponent as he doesn't want to disrespect the sport he loves.
A source said: "Mike has ruled out the prospect of the exhibition bout in Australia because he does not want to fight a cross-over athlete.
"If Mike returns to boxing, it will only be to fight another bona fide boxer.
"Mike believes anything else would be an insult to the sport."