Fresh off his superb role in The Hangover, Mike Tyson may be making a return to the ring, but those interested in seeing Tyson-Holyfield III may be out of luck.
On Thursday, ringsidereport.com's Geno McGahee reported that promoter Don King had a tentative deal to get Tyson back in the ring to fight Evander Holyfield in what would be a highly anticipated comeback bout. On Friday, however, King told ESPN.com that such a rematch isn't in the works.
"It is not true. It is not true about no Tyson-Holyfield fight." King told ESPN.com when asked about a third Holyfield-Tyson fight. "Maybe it's something I would do for old time's sake if they were interested in the fight, but I ain't doing that at this time. I have not even spoken to Evander Holyfield."
While King denies that fight, he didn't refute the idea of Tyson's return.
"I ain't ready to comment on that," King added. "Read between the lines. It really is something isn't it, all the interest there is in Mike Tyson?"
King even hinted back in November of a possible return.
"I think Mike's one of the greatest fighters that ever lived," King said. "I think he can still be a fighter if he wants to be a fighter. Listen, whatever it is between me and Mike, it ain't about the bankroll. We gonna do what has to be done. He needs a lot of vitamins. He needs a lot of TLC, tender loving care, dedication and discipline. So whatever we have to do, we'll do. If you can't hear me, I'll say it a little louder."
If Tyson does seek a comeback and Holyfield (42-10-2, 27 KOs) declines, McGahee lists Connecticut heavyweight Tony Grano, among others, as a potential backup plan for Tyson's first bout.
Tyson is 50-6 with 44 KOs. He has been out of the ring since a sixth-round TKO loss to Kevin McBride in 2005.
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