Boxing News: Mike Tyson Reveals Next Opponent; Holyfield Expected To Keep Close Eye

KEY POINTS

Mike Tyson says that he will face Lennox Lewis in September
Evander Holyfield is expected to call out Tyson if he wins against Kevin McBride
Tyson will need to keep up the level of intensity heading into the Lewis fight

Mike Tyson’s next opponent has been officially revealed, and it is not Evander Holyfield.

Instead, the “Baddest Man on the Planet” will be taking on another old rival in Lennox Lewis.

"I'm gonna fight Lennox Lewis," Tyson said to TMZ on Tuesday and that it will be held in September.

The need to find another opponent cropped up after the camps of Tyson and Holyfield fell through.

Lewis was among the options even before that deal fell apart. But this was only open to the 55-year-old Lewis if the fans wanted it to happen.

When Tyson and Lewis first met in 2002, “The Lion” won via knockout over the former in the eighth round to retain the WBC, IBF and The Ring heavyweight titles.

That win over Tyson would be his second to the last fight of his career. His last was against Vitali Klitschko, a fight that was stopped at the start of the seventh round with the Ukrainian suffering a nasty cut above his left eye.

A rematch was supposed to take place, but Lewis eventually opted for retirement in 2004.

It should be an interesting rematch with Tyson. In their previous encounter, the Brooklyn native was best known for making wild statements–including a comment that he wanted to eat Lewis’ children.

As for Tyson, boxing fans will be eager to see how he can follow up his impressive showing against Roy Jones Jr.

Despite being on hiatus, the former boxing champion carved out a great performance that drew the admiration of fans all over the world.

With an official opponent now named, it will be interesting to see how Holyfield will respond.

Most were anticipating a trilogy, but negotiations fell apart. “The Real Deal” will instead face Kevin McBride on June 5 as one of the undercards to the Teofimo Lopez vs. George Kambosos clash.