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:
Sumabong to defend WBO title against undefeated Taiwanese on July 11 in Bohol
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 17 Jun 2026Jordan Orozco Remains Perfect with Dominant Third-Round TKO of Fernando Diaz on MVP/Boxlab Card in Orlando
Wed, 17 Jun 2026Floyd Mayweather Jr could face charges of fraud in Las Vegas
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 17 Jun 2026EDDIE HEARN SIGNS DIVINE OMOJOR FOR MATCHROOM BOXING ON LONG-TERM DEAL AS NEWCASTLE TEENAGE CRUISERWEIGHT TURNS PRO
Wed, 17 Jun 2026DC Trail Ultra on July 26 in Calinan
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 17 Jun 2026Torre to grace Gov. Oaminal Chess Festival
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 17 Jun 2026Apolinar, Santisima to fight on June 19 in Japan
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 17 Jun 2026Canoy still waiting for his US visa for June 20 fight against Collazo
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 17 Jun 2026"Hand of Stone" Roberto Durán celebrates 75th birthday
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 17 Jun 2026Sy-Tancontian excited on Asia and Oceania Sambo Championships
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 17 Jun 2026Jean Henri Lhuillier Backs RP Blu Girls' Intensive Japan Training Camp Ahead of Women's Softball World Cup
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 17 Jun 2026Digos 2 Malita 70km Ultramarathon on June 20
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 17 Jun 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 17 JUNE 2026: Bam Stops Vargas in 6; Wins by Michel Soro, Wilkens Mathieu, Elif Nur Turhan, Nataly Delgado and Abraham Perez
By Eric Armit, Tue, 16 Jun 2026Undefeated world champion Ataev faces experienced Venezuelan puncher Uzcátegui at IBA PRO 19
Tue, 16 Jun 2026Full Fight Card Set for MF Pro’s “Pugilist Revolution” June 19 at Thunder Studios in Long Beach
Tue, 16 Jun 2026