Does boxing need Mike Tyson?
By Recah Trinidad
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 20 May 2020
THERE’S no stopping Mike Tyson from coming back.
There are a few who had warned him of the risks he’s taking. But, on the whole, there’s excitement over the prospect of Tyson, 53, displaying his blazing iron-cast ferocity inside the ring.
The more discerning among boxing aficionados have also wondered: what’s the honest purpose behind the announced Tyson comeback.
**
Does boxing need Iron Mike now?
Evander Holyfield, predictably singled out as Tyson’s top prospective comeback foe, swore he would not mind doing it a third time with Tyson. Holyfield, 57, swore he has taken good care of himself and has never strayed off fighting form.
Holyfield had beaten Tyson twice. He stopped him in the 11th round in 1996. In their subsequent encounter in 1997, Tyson bit off a piece of Holyfield’s ear in the third round that resulted in instant disqualification.
It was one of the dirtiest displays by an elite heavyweight in boxing history.
**
Tyson last fought 15 years ago. He was at a pitiful state, beaten and penniless, when he exited.
He was left aimless, and drifted disastrously in retirement.
He however reentered the big boxing scene recently. He cried “I am Back!,” after posting two colorful clips of himself working out furiously.
He appeared both delightful and dangerous working the mitts.
**
Holyfield confirmed there have been initial talks about his third encounter with Tyson.
“I had realized retirement years ago,” Holyfield declared. “I am good at boxing and I could adapt to different styles.”
He said he’s interested in fighting again for charity, but stressed he has no desire to fight professionally against an active heavyweight fighter.
**
Nothing is clear in Tyson’s case.
For his part, Larry Holmes, one of Tyson’s victims at his prime, said he has nothing against a Tyson-Holyfield trilogy.
Holmes however predicted Tyson could be at a disadvantage.
Holmes did not say it but he must’ve wanted to suggest Tyson first try his remaining prowess against a lesser opponent.
Tyson should heed the warning if he’s intent in writing a fitting final chapter to his myth.
Iron Mike, for all the excitement and color he has lent boxing, deserves something greater and truly memorable than a tragic shattered final frame.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Recah Trinidad.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Teremoana and new Matchroom Boxing signing Zerafa confirmed for big August 12 card in Australia
Mon, 06 Jul 2026Jayson Vayson Returns to World Rankings
By Carlos Costa, Mon, 06 Jul 2026Yor beats Salisad in technical decision, wants rematch
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 06 Jul 2026War, Chess, and Writs: Why Mayweather vs. Pacquiao II is Postponed, Not Scrapped
By Dong Secuya, Mon, 06 Jul 2026Nabunturan wins 3-on-3 MMA
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 06 Jul 2026Clarion, Yanon suffer KO losses in Japan
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 06 Jul 2026Abdullah Mason Stops Albert Bell To Defend Lightweight Crown
Sun, 05 Jul 2026CARLO BIADO IS THE 2026 INDONESIA INTERNATIONAL OPEN CHAMPION
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 05 Jul 2026Fight options for Manny
By Joaquin Henson, Sun, 05 Jul 2026Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The World Cup: a great celebration of peace and joy
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Sun, 05 Jul 2026Abdullah Mason vs Albert Bell Debuts DAZN/TNT Sports Deal
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 04 Jul 2026Jonas Magpantay advances to the quarterfinals
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 04 Jul 2026Weigh-In Results: Abdullah Mason vs. Albert Bell
Sat, 04 Jul 2026All Set for the All-Undefeated Clash Between Christopher Guerrero and Delante 'Tiger' Johnson Tomorrow Night in Cleveland
Sat, 04 Jul 2026Brave Alvin "Felemon" Dologuin Bested in Australia
By Carlos Costa, Sat, 04 Jul 2026