Thaindian News

London, Sep 17(ANI): Current WBF heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield has said that American boxing legend Mike Tyson has no interest in returning to the ring.

Holyfield has defeated Tyson twice- in Las Vegas in 1996 to claim the WBA heavyweight crown and in the infamous ‘Bite Fight’ in 1997.

“I would have done it again, but Mike doesn’t want to fight. I met Mike and he said his heart is not in it. Mike is truly a warrior, but nobody wants to get in the ring if they don’t truly believe they can win,” The Sun quoted Holyfield, as saying.

“When he saw I’m still in exactly the same shape I was when we first fought in 1996, he realized he didn’t want to get back in there with me. He knows I’m always in shape and exactly how hard I train. Mike used to train harder than me, but that’s not the case now.”

“Why would you want to get in the ring with somebody who still lives the game? Whenever anybody wants to fight me, I’m always ready. If a fight breaks out right now, I’m probably going to win,” he added.

Rumours of a third and final fight have been circulating for years, and fuel was added to the fire recently when legendary promoter Don King hinted that Tyson was considering a comeback.

Holyfield however insists that even King would not be able to change Tyson’s mind.

“Don thinks he can talk Mike into it, but he won’t come back and lay down just for the money. His heart’s not in and it takes a lot of heart to turn down 32 million dollars,” Holyfield said.

“It takes a lot of character and a lot of heart to turn that down. I’ll always respect him for that,” he added. (ANI)