Heavyweight boxing legends Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield should be allowed to enter the squared circle way past their best at 58. That’s the view of Evan Holyfield, the offspring of Evander.
Tyson is lined up to fight on November 15 despite medical issues, while former two-time opponent Holyfield battled UFC star Vitor Belfort in 2021. Tyson will be 58 and a half when he faces Jake Paul, while Holyfield was one month shy of his 59th birthday when he replaced an ill Oscar De La Hoya.
Holyfield subsequently got knocked out in 109 painful seconds by a stronger, faster, and younger Belfort in Florida. Despite watching his dad’s demise, son Evan spoke to WBN to reveal his support for the two-weight undisputed king.
Evan, who is recovering from heart surgery that put his own career on hold at 11-1, says his father’s decision was his alone after a fight with Kevin McBride fell through.
“I mean, it seemed cool to me at the time because his opponent was different [McBride], but I believe they switched him out for Vitor at the last minute. But I’m always going to support what my dad wants to do if it’s not too crazy,” Evan told World Boxing News exclusively.
It was actually De La Hoya who pulled out of the Belfort fight with only days remaining, and Holyfield who replaced the Golden Boy promoter. Belfort took full advantage of a much older foe, but Evan says he hopes Tyson’s fight with Paul will end differently in Texas.
Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul
“I think it’ll be a fun, nostalgic fantasy matchup to watch Mike Tyson in the ring again,” Evan stated before responding to a question on whether Tyson should be warned against fighting due to his stomach ulcer problem.
“Mike doesn’t need any warnings. He’s the GOAT, and if he wants to fight, Mike will fight. So, hopefully, it will be entertaining. I personally would like to see Mike Tyson victorious or shown in a good light for old times’ sake, but you know boxing is the theater of the unknown, he concluded.
Tyson’s encounter with Paul remains under a cloud until the first bell rings, as few bonafide boxing media members believe the fight will occur. The pair will go face-to-face in New York this weekend to promote the event before joining their respective training camps.
It will remain to be seen whether Paul vs. Tyson gets over the line once ‘The Baddest Man on the Planet’ sees how his body reacts to forthcoming gym sessions.
One punch to the midsection could also seriously damage Tyson’s health.
Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, experienced boxing writer, and World Boxing News Editor since 2010. Follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
