Four-time world heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield has announced he is coming out of retirement to do exhibition bouts for charity.
Known as the only boxer to win the undisputed title in two weight classes, the American heavyweight legend called it quits in 2011 after defeating Brian Nielsen on his final boxing fight, ending his outstanding career with a 44-10-2 (1NC) record.
“The moment you’ve all been waiting for…. The Champ is back,” Holyfield wrote on social media.
“I’d like to announce that I will be making a comeback to the ring.”
“I will be fighting in exhibition matches for a great cause. I’m training to promote a charity that’s very close to me.”
“Our #Unite4OurFight campaign aims to provide students the resources they need for emotional development and education.”
Back In Training
Holyfield’s announcement came a week after ‘Iron Mike’ revealed he is getting back in shape to compete in non-professional bouts.
“I want to go to the gym and get in shape to be able to box three or four-round exhibitions for some charities and stuff. Some charity exhibitions, make some money, help some homeless and drug-affected mother-f—– like me,” Tyson told American rapper, T.I.
“I do two hours on cardio, I do the bike and the treadmill for an hour, then I do some light weights, 300, 250 reps.”
“Then I start my day with the boxing thing, I go in there and hit the mitts, 30 minutes, 25 minutes, start getting in better condition. I’m starting to put those combinations together.”
“I’m in pain. I feel like three guys kicked the s— out of me.”
Right Price
With the former boxing rivals both set for a major comeback, boxing fans are speculating a trilogy bout is likely to happen.
The 57-year old legend holds two wins in his rivalry with ‘Iron Mike’ as he defeated him in June 1997 via 11th-round technical knockout before Tyson suffered a disqualification loss in their rematch for biting Holyfield’s ear.
“The Real Deal” said he will fight Tyson for a third time if the price is right.
“Well, it all depends on how much money they tell me I’d get, and it all depends on what they call ‘good money,’ because I know what good money is,” he said (via Forbes).
“If it’s Mike Tyson, well, shoot.”
“They’d have to give me a big amount of money. I’d be in there with somebody that I may not know what he would do.”
(Featured Image Source: Instagram/ Evander Holyfield)