Mike Tyson has responded to Evander Holyfield’s plea for a third installment in their boxing rivalry by saying their friendship is the real trilogy.

Tyson returned to the ring Saturday aged 58 to fight internet celebrity Jake Paul, 27, in an eight-round bout at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and though he lasted the distance, losing by decision to Paul, it has been criticized as a sad spectacle.

The bout was showcased on a new broadcaster for the sport, Netflix, and featured Holyfield in the booth. Holyfield since posted a mock fight poster on social media that suggested he was keen to secure a third fight with his old rival in Tyson. But Tyson himself isn’t keen.

“I love you brother but the trilogy is our friendship,” Tyson said in response to Holyfield’s post.

Tyson and Holyfield first fought in 1996 when the two heavyweights were among the most famous athletes on the planet, and came together to box for the WBA heavyweight world championship at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Though Tyson was a five to one favorite to beat Holyfield, it was the underdog who overcame the odds to score a remarkable finish in the 11th round. They fought a rematch the following year, at the same venue in the same city, which retrospectively became known as ‘The Bite Fight’ as Tyson was disqualified after taking a chunk out of Holyfield’s ear.

Jake Paul beat Mike Tyson by unanimous decision

Jake Paul beat Mike Tyson by unanimous decision ( 

Image:

Getty Images for Netflix A 2024)

Tyson finished his career after suffering back-to-back losses to Danny Williams and Kevin McBride in subsequent years, 2004 and 2005, only to come back to the ring for an exhibition with Roy Jones Jr in an unofficial, COVID-era match in 2020 that did not count on either fighter’s resume. Jake Paul starred on the undercard against Nate Robinson, sealing an incredible knockout. Four years later, Tyson and Paul fought themselves in front of a significant worldwide audience.

According to a statement sent to The Mirror US from event-organizer Most Valuable Promotions, viewership for Netflix for the Tyson vs Paul main event peaked with 65 million concurrent households. Additionally, approximately 70,000 people attended the event at Cowboys Stadium for money-spinning ticket sales totaling $18 million — twice as much as the previous Texas gate record for a combat sports event, which Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez set when he battered Billy Joe Saunders.

It is unclear if Tyson will return to the ring. Paul, meanwhile, had previously spoken of his desire to challenge Canelo, and even compete in MMA.