Tyson and Holyfield rematch would entertain but not please purists

Sheffield boxing promoter Dennis Hobson admits that a rematch between Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield would be great entertainment but would not please the purists.
Evander Holyfield (L) is inducted into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame by Mike Tyson at the second annual induction gala at the New Tropicana Las Vegas. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)Evander Holyfield (L) is inducted into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame by Mike Tyson at the second annual induction gala at the New Tropicana Las Vegas. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Evander Holyfield (L) is inducted into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame by Mike Tyson at the second annual induction gala at the New Tropicana Las Vegas. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Talking about Tyson’s proposed return, Hobson said: “It’s up to the individual to make choices for themselves.

“Tyson does look the part, and he might still beat a majority of heavyweights in the first two rounds, even at his age. But when he meets someone who wants to fight back, then it might be a different matter. I suppose if he’s healthy enough then, who knows? George Foreman came back at the age of 45, and ended up winning a heavyweight title against Michael Moorer.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Tyson might stand a chance against some heavyweights, but I wouldn’t want to see him anywhere near Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder, or Anthony Joshua.

“He could go in against up-and-comers; our heavyweight Kash Ali has been mentioned, and we would take that opportunity.

“It would obviously build Kash’s profile, and I think Kash has enough about him to beat Tyson now. It might be a bit rocky for the first few minutes because Tyson will never lost his punch power, but it would be good publicity for Kash.

“We have high hopes for him, and if he can produce what he does in the gym, then he’s going to be a real contender.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Ultimately though, should Tyson be fighting? If he’s healthy enough then he needs to be matched accordingly. I wouldn’t want to see him lose his legacy, but at 53 he’ll have an excuse if he does come back and it doesn’t go well.

“There’s been talk of him fighting Evander Holyfield, and that’s still a fight that would sell, even now. They are both older men, two big names, and people would pay to watch it.

“It’s crazy, and even though I’d rather remember them for what they were, I’d still tune in to see it.

“There’s no need for either of them to come back, they have nothing to prove, but if they do, then it would be a big seller because of their past history.

“Boxing is about creating theatre; it’s not just about the fight s o If I got asked to put the fight on, then yes I would. But as a purist, I wouldn’t like to see it, not one hundred per cent.”