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Evander Holyfield Calls for Mike Tyson Trilogy After Iron Mike's Fight vs. Jake Paul

Doric Sam

After Mike Tyson's return to the boxing ring on Friday in a decision loss against Jake Paul, he was called out by another legend to run back their rivalry.

Evander Holyfield called out Tyson for a trilogy fight in an Instagram post with the caption, "The fans want it."

However, Tyson seemed disinterested in the matchup, as he commented on the post, "I love you brother, but the trilogy is our friendship."

Holyfield already holds two wins over Tyson, first defeating him in 1996 to reclaim the WBA heavyweight title in what was widely regarded as one of the biggest upsets in boxing at the time. However, their rematch in 1997 ended in controversy when Tyson was disqualified for biting off a piece of Holyfield's ear.

The last time Holyfield was in a boxing ring, things didn't end well. He stepped in on short notice as a replacement for Oscar De La Hoya in a match against former UFC light heavyweight champion Vitor Belfort on September 11, 2021. De La Hoya had announced on Sept. 3 that he had to withdraw after contracting COVID-19, and Holyfield was revealed as Belfort's new opponent that same day.

The fight was moved from California to Florida because the California State Athletic Commission refused to license Holyfield in a boxing match in any capacity. The Florida State Athletic Commission sanctioned the bout as an exhibition, and Holyfield lost by first-round TKO.

At 62 years old, Holyfield has as little reason to be in the ring as Tyson did. The 58-year-old couldn't keep up with Paul in Friday's match, which left fans disappointed after it was heavily promoted for being the first combat sports event to be streamed live on Netflix.

However, Tyson is reportedly expected to have made over $20 million for his fight against Paul, so it's understandable that Holyfield is looking to return to the ring to get a major payday.

   

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