Third Tyson Clash Now Off As Holyfield Steps Away From Boxing

Evander Holyfield was open to facing Mike Tyson for the third time under exhibition rules, but it appears the waiting game has expired as far as he is concerned.

"The Real Deal" was spotted at LAX this week, and the 59-year-old former heavyweight champion was asked if there was any progress in the speculated third meeting with the "Baddest Man on the Planet."

In response, Holyfield told TMZ that it was already too late and that he is done with boxing.

"Too late now... I'm done now," Holyfield quipped.

There were talks about a potential clash between the two former boxing champions that was supposed to happen in the spring of 2021.

Negotiations happened, but the two camps were unable to agree.

Tyson and Holyfield met twice, once in 1996 and then in 1997.

Holyfield won both, the first one via TKO and the second via disqualification.

The second encounter, billed as the infamous "The Bite Fight," was one of the most bizarre matches in boxing history.

Tyson initially bit one of Holyfield's ears, resulting in two points being deducted.

The fight went on, but "Iron Mike" bit Holyfield's other ear, tearing off a small portion of the helix.

The incident toned down a bit in recent years and a potential third match was suggested.

This cropped up after Tyson made his return to the ring, an eight-round exhibition against Roy Jones Jr. in November 2020.

The fight ended in a draw although most noticed that Tyson still had a mean demeanor inside the squared-circle despite his age.

As for Holyfield, his last fight was an exhibition match against mixed martial artist Vitor Belfort in September 2021.

The 45-year-old Brazilian won via TKO over Holyfield at the 1:49 mark of the first round.