KEY POINTS

  • The Mike Tyson vs. Evander Holyfield exhibition bout could be announced soon
  • Lennox Lewis is open to a Tyson rematch if boxing fans want it
  • Tyson sent a strong message to potential next opponent Holyfield

Mike Tyson has been making a lot of noise lately, finding a new lease on life in the world of boxing. A couple of months ago, he took on Roy Jones Jr. and put on a pretty impressive show. Several other retired pugs are now exploring a potential ring return, including Lennox Lewis.

“The Lion” said he is open to facing the “Baddest Man on the Planet” again after he was mentioned as a potential next opponent for Tyson. He is open to giving Tyson a chance to avenge his loss in 2002 but said that it would only be possible if boxing fans want it to happen.

"If the public wanted it then we would probably talk," Lewis said to TMZ Sports. "I don't know. I don't really have nothing pushing me in the ring right now. People would love to see that fight but I don't know."

The two heavyweight boxers faced each other in 2002, with Lewis winning that match via knockout in the eighth round at The Pyramid in Memphis, Tennessee. Lewis retained the WBC, IBF, IBO and The Ring heavyweight titles.

Lewis went on to fight one more time, defeating Vitali Klitschko via TKO in 2003. Despite negotiations for a rematch, the British-Canadian boxer opted for retirement. He made that official in February 2004.

Since then, Lewis has gone on to do other things. Little has been heard of him until recently.

Not long after his retirement, talks about a potential ring return cropped up. That included a possible fight with Riddick Bowe in 2008, but nothing prospered.

But even if Lewis agrees to a rematch, he may have to get in line. Evander Holyfield is seen as the likely next opponent of Tyson, although nothing has been made official. However, an announcement could be made soon.

Tyson sent a strong message to the “Real Deal” recently via the Legends Only League Instagram account, writing, “Iron Mike is coming... Next event announcement coming soon.”

“Maybe I wasn’t ready then, but I’m ready now. You know I’m ready now. I’m really, really ready now. I’m coming for you,” Tyson said in the video.

Lennox Lewis
Lennox Lewis believes Deontay Wilder wants the fight more than Anthony Joshua. In this picture, Lennox Lewis is introduced ahead of the weigh-in prior to the Heavyweight Championshipcontest between Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Arena in London, England, on April 28, 2017. Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
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