Mike Tyson makes stance clear as Evander Holyfield calls for trilogy after Jake Paul fight
Mike Tyson faced Jake Paul in an eight-round boxing match on Saturday, with Evander Holyfield calling for a third fight with his old rival following the contest
Mike Tyson has refused Evander Holyfield's call for a third fight, saying their enduring friendship is the real trilogy. Tyson, now 58, stepped back into the ring to face 27-year-old internet sensation Jake Paul in an eight-round match at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Saturday.
Despite going the distance, Tyson lost by decision to Paul in what has been labelled as a disappointing display. The event was broadcasted on Netflix, a newcomer to the boxing scene, and featured Holyfield as a commentator.
Following the fight, Holyfield took to social media with a mock-up poster hinting at his desire for another bout with Tyson. However, Tyson isn't taking the bait.
"I love you brother but the trilogy is our friendship," Tyson responded to Holyfield's tease in a comment on his post.
The pair first clashed gloves back in 1996, battling it out for the WBA heavyweight world championship at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, when they were two of the most renowned athletes worldwide.
Despite Tyson being the favourite with odds of five to one to beat Holyfield, it was the underdog who triumphed with a stunning 11th round finish. The pair had a rematch the following year at the same venue, which later became infamous as 'The Bite Fight' after Tyson was disqualified for biting off a piece of Holyfield's ear.
Tyson ended his career after consecutive losses to Danny Williams and Kevin McBride in 2004 and 2005, only to return to the ring for an exhibition match with Roy Jones Jr in 2020 that didn't count towards either fighter's record. Jake Paul featured on the undercard against Nate Robinson, delivering a spectacular knockout.
Four years later, Tyson and Paul faced each other in front of a massive global audience. According to event organiser Most Valuable Promotions, the Tyson vs Paul main event peaked with 65 million concurrent households watching on Netflix.
Additionally, around 70,000 people attended the event at Cowboys Stadium, generating ticket sales of $18 million - double the previous Texas gate record for a combat sports event set by Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez when he defeated Billy Joe Saunders. It remains uncertain whether Tyson will return to the ring.
Paul, on the other hand, has previously expressed his ambition to challenge Canelo and even compete in MMA.
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