KEY POINTS

  • Holyfield is open to a third fight with Tyson for charity
  • Holyfield has gotten over controversial "Bite Fight"
  • Holyfield is prioritizing Riddick Bowe in return fight

Retired boxers seem to be hogging the limelight once more, with Evander Holyfield hinting at a ring return. The 57-year-old former boxing champion last fought in 2011 but is open to putting his boxing gloves back on for charity. Holyfield reveals his preferred opponent would be Riddick Bowe although Mike Tyson would be fine as well.

Holyfield was asked about the possibility of facing Tyson for the third time. Both fighters first fought on Nov. 9, 1996, with defeating Tyson via TKO in the 11th round to win the WBA heavyweight title. It was only the second loss in Tyson's boxing career then.

A rematch would happen seven months later with Holyfield winning again, this time via disqualification. The fight ended in controversy with Tyson biting Holyfield on one of his ears. It was branded as "The Bite Fight" which Holyfield reminds him more of the $35 million he earned for that clash than the ear injury, TMZ Sports reported.

"It wouldn't bother me to do so. I'm always thinking that the person who takes care of themselves well, they're the ones that tend to last even though I'm four years older than him. It would be no problem," Holyfield said.

Holyfield explained why Bowe was his first choice. He revealed how they are both buddies, a reason why it would be easier to get an exhibition fight done. Considering the controversy back in 1997, a third meeting with Tyson would make more sense even if both are already way over the hill.

When asked about his relationship with Tyson, Holyfield that both come to get along well now. A more open-minded Holyfield says that it all boils down to two people trusting each other and factoring in what they can do now.

Holyfield's comeback plans come not long after Tyson showed off videos of himself back in training on social media. Tyson has a similar intent of returning to the ring for a good cause, wanting to raise money for charities.

It did not take long for Tyson to attract attention with several groups approaching him for a possible fight. That includes an offer to fight in Australia but the 52-year-old thumbed it down, Yahoo Sports Australia reported. Tyson only wants to face legit and bonafide boxers.

Aside from that, Tyson was also offered more than $20 million to fight at the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. He would be facing one of the heavyweight fighters on the roster. BKFC president David Feldman admits that Tyson's video inspired him to make the offer, Heavy.com reported. If he agrees, Tyson may face 48-year-old Shannon Briggs.

Mitt Romney vs. Evander Holyfield
Former Massachusetts Governor and two-time presidential candidate Mitt Romney (right) fights five-time heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield during their boxing match in Salt Lake City, Utah on May 15, 2015. Reuters/Jim Urquhart