Evander Holyfield, 57, says he’s returning to ring
Mike Tyson, 53, recently said he was feeling great and planned to take part in exhibitions for charity, after which a viral video of him hitting mitts prompted some to suggest he could return to professional boxing.
Now it’s 57-year-old Evander Holyfield’s turn. The former heavyweight champ and rival of Tyson announced on Twitter that he’s coming out of retirement to fight for charity.
“The moment you’ve all been waiting for. … The Champ is back! I’d like to announce that I will be making a comeback to the ring. I will be fighting in exhibition matches for a great cause. I’m training to promote a charity that’s very close to me.
“Our #Unite4OurFight campaign aims to provide students the resources they need for emotional development and education.”
Evander Holyfield
✔
@holyfield
Are you ready? The moment you’ve all been waiting for…
The Champ is back! 🥊 I’d like to announce that I will be making a comeback to the ring. I will be fighting in exhibition matches for a great cause: #Unite4OurFight. Learn more: http://www.unite4ourfight.org
Of course, Tyson and Holyfield should be applauded for their desire to help others. At the same time, everyone following this story line is thinking the same thing: Will these exhibitions lead to a lucrative third fight between the two Hall of Famers?
Tyson and Holyfield fought for the first time in November 1996, when the underdog Holyfield stunning the boxing world by stopping Tyson in the 11th round.
a man in a boxing ring© Provided by Boxing Junkie
Mike Tyson decided to take a snake break in his second fight with Evander Holyfield. AFP via Getty Images
The rematch, in June 1997, was even more memorable. Tyson seemed to be heading toward another setback when he decided the right thing to do was gnaw off a portion of Holyfield’s ear, which resulted in his disqualification in Round 3.
Tyson was suspended for his actions but returned to fight until 2005. Holyfield forgave his rival and the two have been friendly for years.
Holyfield last fought in May 2011, when he stopped Brian Nielsen in 10 rounds at the age of 48.
By Michael Rosenthal