‘Trilogy is our friendship’… Mike Tyson responds to former rival’s callout after loss to Jake Paul
Mike Tyson received an intriguing fight callout from a legendary former foe just days after falling to Jake Paul.
58-year-old Mike Tyson‘s boxing comeback fell short against Jake Paul last weekend. Just days after his return, Tyson has a potential opponent option should he opt to return to the ring for at least one more scrap.
Tyson lost to Paul by unanimous decision in his long-anticipated professional return to the ring in Dallas. After a competitive first round between Tyson and Paul, Tyson slowed down his activity as the fight progressed, resulting in a lopsided victory for his influencer adversary.
While the fight itself didn’t live up to lofty expectations, the fanfare delivered, as millions around the world tuned in for the historic event. After going the full distance with an opponent 31 years younger, Tyson teased a potential comeback, initially calling out Logan Paul in the ring.
Many fans don’t want Tyson to return to boxing after seemingly getting carried by Paul in their main event clash. But, the all-time great Tyson could potentially earn another big paycheck if he decides to return to fighting.
If he concludes that another boxing fight is his desired route, Tyson has a potential opponent fit in a former two-time rival.
Mike Tyson gives heartwarming reply to former rival Evander Holyfield’s callout
In a recent Instagram post, heavyweight boxing great Evander Holyfield pitched coming out of retirement for a trilogy with Tyson.
“The fans want it! #UnfinishedBusiness” Holyfield posted.
It didn’t take long for Tyson to address Holyfield’s callout via Instagram comment.
“I love you brother, but the trilogy is our friendship,” Tyson responded.
Holyfield made his boxing comeback in an exhibition against former UFC champion Vitor Belfort in 2021. He took the fight on days’ notice following Oscar De La Hoya’s last-second withdrawal due to illness, losing by first-round knockout.
Holyfield and Tyson’s two bouts headlined one of the biggest rivalries in combat sports history. Holyfield pulled off the mammoth upset over Tyson in their first fight before their rematch infamously ended in a Tyson disqualification after biting Holyfield’s ear.
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Mike Tyson puts friendship over rivalry in response to Evander Holyfield’s callout
Years after their rivalry ended in an anticlimactic fashion, Tyson and Holyfield have become close friends away from the ring. Holyfield retired from professional boxing in 2011 after knocking out Brian Nielsen in his fighting finale.
Tyson’s fight with Paul was his first professional fight since falling to Kevin McBride in 2005. During his illustrious career, Tyson earned knockout wins over the likes of Larry Holmes, Michael Spinks, and Trevor Berbick.
Tyson began his professional boxing career 37-0 with 33 knockout victories. He’s considered by many as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time, despite his up-and-town late-career run.
Holyfield captured the WBA heavyweight title by finishing Tyson in 1996. His resume includes wins over a slew of legendary combatants, including George Foreman and Tyson’s former foe Buster Douglas.
Tyson competed against 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 on their trilogy bout.
As for Paul, he’s won five straight fights since losing his first professional bout to Tommy Fury last year. Since then, he’s defeated former UFC superstar Nate Diaz and veteran boxers Ryan Bourland and Andre August.
Tyson and Holyfield’s careers will always be linked after one of the sport’s most monumental pairings. But, any hope for a trilogy seems off the table as Tyson prioritizes friendship over competitive spirit.
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