Evander Holyfield says a trilogy fight with Mike Tyson is ‘close’ to happening

They last fought in 1997

Evander Holyfield says a trilogy fight with Mike Tyson is ‘close’ to happening. Holyfield made the comments during an episode of the Last Stand Podcast, and said the fight would occur in late 2021.

Despite their advancing years, both men are targeting another venture into the ring this year. 54-year-old Tyson recently fought Roy Jones Jr in an exhibition match that ended in a draw.

Holyfield, 58, is believed to have been inspired to make a comeback by his former nemesis. Holyfield last fought in 2011, when he knocked Brian Nielsen out in the third round.

He officially retired in 2014, but in reality had hung his gloves up long before.

Both Holyfield and Tyson share a storied history stretching back some 37 years.

Ahead of the 1984 Olympics, both men vied for places in the USA amateur squad. Holyfield was successful but Tyson missed out, losing on points to Henry Tillman, who would go on to win gold for the United States that year.

Both men then turned pro and first met in 1996. Holyfield was billed as being past his best even then, but defied the odds to stop Tyson in the eleventh round.

In their hotly-anticipated rematch, Tyson was infamously disqualified in the third round for biting a chunk out of Holyfield’s ear.

Now, 24 years after they last met, a third instalment seems increasingly likely. At least, that seems the case if you consider Holyfield’s comments on the Last Stand Podcast.

Holyfield was asked by host Brian Custer if he believed a third fight with Tyson was likely.

“I would say yes,” he replied.

“I think it’s close. I think it’s something that we both want to do, I think it can happen.”

Holyfield certainly appears to be keeping himself in great condition, if you pay attention to his recent social media activity.

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