By Matthew Hurley: In a pronouncement that will either make boxing fans smile at the idea of it or groan at the thought of it becoming a reality, Evander Holyfield says that he would consider climbing into the ring again with two time opponent Mike Tyson. Tyson has also expressed interest in facing off against his old nemesis but only if he were well compensated. Unfortunately for the two iconic figures they have both crashed and burned in recent outings and are mere shells, if that, of their former selves.
Still, money talks and Holyfield plans to continue fighting on despite a recent loss to Sultan Ibragimov. It would probably serve him best to goad Tyson into a rubber match if he desires another big payday. He’s not going to get it by regrouping yet again against a series of journeymen fighters in hopes of securing yet another title shot.
As quoted by the Times Online, Holyfield said, “There has been some talk between us. 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.”
Tyson has lost three out of his last four fights. His most recent ring appearance was back in June 2005 when he lost by technical knockout to unheralded Kevin McBride.
Despite their advanced age and diminishing returns in the ring Holyfield believes the fight could become a reality if Tyson commits himself.
“It all depends on what they are going to give us,” he said. “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. (But) if the price is right, I probably would.”
And a lot of people would probably pay to see it.
In other rumblings on the boxing front Winky Wright, who was hoping to secure a match against middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik now may be looking toward a possible match with WBA belt holder Felix Sturm. Wright, who is talking with Golden Boy Promotions (GBP) about his future, lost to Bernard Hopkins in his last bout back in June of 2007 and GBP has begun preliminary talks with Sturm and his team. Sturm is scheduled to defend his title on April 5th against Jamie Pittman in Germany.
Super middleweight Allan Green, who was scheduled to take on Antwon Echols on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights faces a possible suspension for inexplicably bailing out on the bout. Green, who signed to fight Echols, has given no explanation for his behavior. Chicago based fighter Mike Walker accepted the offer for a late substitution and has taken Green’s place.
Finally, Kenny Bayless has been selected to referee the Manny Pacquiao – Juan Manuel Marquez rematch on March 15th at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.