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.
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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.
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