Holyfield willing to fight Tyson again if price is right

Published on Thursday 28 February 2008 21:00

EVANDER Holyfield claims he could meet old foe Mike Tyson for a third time despite both former undisputed world heavyweight champions being in their 40s.

Holyfield beat Tyson in 1996 and 1997 – the second courtesy of Tyson's infamous disqualification for biting a chunk out of his opponent's ear – and both men have made several questionable comebacks in recent years.

However Holyfield, 45, has revealed he is considering an offer from 41-year-old Tyson's camp to meet in the ring for a third time.

"There has been some talk between us," Holyfield was quoted as saying yesterday. "Mike had Jeff Fenech, who's been training him, call me a few months ago. Jeff says Mike wants to fight me again – but he needs to know if I would agree to it.

"I said, 'It all depends on what they are going to give us – because I'm gonna catch a lot of flak if I say I'm fighting Mike Tyson again. I've already said I don't want to fight Mike no more'. Jeff says, 'What if Mike gets in proper shape?' I told him that's O,K but I can't be part of it if Mike's going to pull out. Jeff said, 'The main thing Mike wants to know is if you would be willing to fight him again?' I said, 'Yeah, if the price is right, I probably would'."

William Hill has installed the still currently active Holyfield as 1/4 favourite to win if they fight again this year, with Tyson offered at 11/4 and the draw a 25/1 chance.

William Hill spokesman Graham Sharpe said: "They are both pale shells of their former selves, but at least Evander is still actively boxing, whereas Tyson's readiness for a fight would have to be taken on trust. We are unlikely to bet on Tyson chewing on any part of Evander's anatomy this time round."