Boxing

‘Trilogy is our friendship’… Mike Tyson responds to former rival’s callout after loss to Jake Paul

Admin 2 days ago

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Mike Tyson received an intriguing fight call from a legendary former foe just days after falling to Jake Paul.

The boxing comeback of 58-year-old Mike Tyson failed last weekend against Jake Paul. Just days after his return, Tyson has a potential opponent if he chooses to return to the ring for at least one more scrap.

Tyson lost to Paul by unanimous decision in his long-awaited professional return to the ring in Dallas. After a competitive first round between Tyson and Paul, Tyson slowed his activity as the fight progressed, resulting in a lopsided victory for his influencer opponent.

Although the fight itself fell short of high expectations, the fanfare delivered results as millions of people around the world tuned in to watch the historic event. After going the full distance with an opponent 31 years younger, Tyson teased a possible comeback, initially calling Logan Paul into the ring.

Many fans don't want Tyson to return to boxing after he was seemingly carried by Paul in their main event. But all-time great Tyson could potentially earn another big paycheck if he decides to fight again.

If he concludes that another boxing fight is his desired route, Tyson will have a potential opponent in the place of a former two-time rival.

Mike Tyson gives a heartwarming answer to former rival Evander Holyfield's call

In a recent Instagram post, heavyweight boxer Evander Holyfield pitched for a trilogy with Tyson as he retired.

“The fans want it! #UnfinishedBusiness” Holyfield wrote.

It didn't take long for Tyson to respond to Holyfield's call via Instagram comments.

“I love you brother, but the trilogy is our friendship,” Tyson responded.

Holyfield made his return to boxing in an exhibition against former UFC champion Vitor Belfort in 2021. He took the fight on notice after Oscar De La Hoya pulled out in the last second due to illness, losing by knockout in the first round.

Holyfield and Tyson's two fights headlined one of the greatest rivalries in combat sports history. Holyfield pulled off the massive upset over Tyson in their first fight before their rematch infamously ended in Tyson being disqualified after he bit Holyfield's ear.

Mike Tyson puts friendship over rivalry in response to Evander Holyfield's call

Years after their rivalry ended in anticlimactic fashion, Tyson and Holyfield have become good friends outside the ring. Holyfield retired from professional boxing in 2011 after knocking out Brian Nielsen in his fight final.

Tyson's fight with Paul was his first professional fight since falling to Kevin McBride in 2005. During his illustrious career, Tyson recorded knockout victories over the likes of Larry Holmes, Michael Spinks and Trevor Berbick.

Tyson started his professional boxing career 37-0 with 33 knockout victories. He is considered by many to be one of the greatest heavyweights of all time, despite his late career in the city.

Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images

Holyfield captured the WBA heavyweight title by finishing Tyson in 1996. His resume includes wins over a slew of legendary fighters, including George Foreman and Tyson's former foe Buster Douglas.

Tyson took on another former boxing superstar, Roy Jones Jr., in a 2020 exhibition. He and Holyfield could potentially compete in an exhibition forum if Tyson changes his mind about their trilogy fight.

As for Paul, he has won five straight fights since losing his first professional fight to Tommy Fury last year. Since then, he has defeated former UFC superstar Nate Diaz and veteran boxers Ryan Bourland and Andre August.

The careers of Tyson and Holyfield will always be linked after one of the sport's most monumental combinations. But any hope of a trilogy seems to be gone as Tyson puts friendship above competitive spirit.