With the increasing popularity of celebrity boxing, exhibition matches featuring former world champion boxers have become increasingly common in the boxing world. Floyd Mayweather, for instance, participates in several exhibitions every year, facing opponents ranging from YouTubers to MMA fighters and reality show contestants.
The Return of the Legends: Tyson and Jones Jr. Back in the Ring
Another former champion who has returned to the ring for exhibitions is Roy Jones Jr. Meanwhile, in late 2020, boxing legend Mike Tyson made a comeback in an exhibition match against Jones Jr.
in Los Angeles, which ended in a draw. Although Tyson, who was then 54 years old, performed admirably for his age, he has not fought in any other exhibitions since. However, he recently hinted at a possible return to the ring.In February of this year, Tyson traveled to Saudi Arabia for the Jake Paul vs.
Tommy Fury match, where he participated in the weigh-in and final confrontation. Speaking to TMZ.com, Tyson stated, “I don’t know…I’m just chilling out. I did that [fight with Jones], I wanted to do that. People in Saudi Arabia they want me to do this stuff too…I could be persuaded [to return to the ring].” When asked about the cost of getting him back in the ring, Tyson responded, “I would have to talk to the people.
When I see the money people for the end of the product, my mind works clearer. I can’t express myself right now financially.”
The Dream Rematch: Tyson vs. Holyfield III
One potential exhibition match that has generated a lot of interest is a rematch between Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield.
The two former champions faced each other twice as professionals, with Holyfield emerging victorious on both occasions. Neither fighter is a stranger to exhibition bouts, with Holyfield participating in an exhibition match against Vitor Belfort in September 2021, where he was unfortunately knocked out in the first round.At 60 years old, Holyfield is only three years older than Tyson, who turns 57 this June.
If the right financial incentives are offered, it is not out of the realm of possibility that these two legends could once again face each other in the ring.
