Evander Holyfield made offer to KSI for exhibition after Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson

DUK Editor TeamSeptember 12, 2024

Evander Holyfield reached out to KSI to try and organise an exhibition which matched Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson.

Holyfield is one of boxing’s greatest ever fighters having reigned as an undisputed heavyweight champion in his prime, before retiring in 2011 after beating Brian Nielsen.

KSI was not interested in facing HolyfieldCredit: Getty

Recently there has been a trend of boxing legends returning, and he followed suit losing to Vitor Belfort in a disastrous exhibition in 2021, which saw him stopped inside two minutes.

But surprisingly Holyfield wanted an opportunity in the ring again, and contacted KSI and Misfits Boxing with an intriguing challenge.

KSI’s manager Mams Taylor told talkSPORT.com: “I know Holyfield contacted us about fighting KSI.

“Again, we wouldn’t do that. It needs to be two evenly matched fighters at an even age.

“If it was Mike Tyson or Evander Holyfield for all the money in the world we wouldn’t do that.

“I think it’s ironic because the cornerstone of Misfits Boxing is on a higher moral ground than some parts of traditional boxing.

“We take care of the fighters, we make sure that the testing is good and that’s why fighters pop.

“We do it and we do far more extensive medical testing before they are allowed to fight.

“We fight people matched together at similar levels, that is our ethos and I think there is something for everyone.

“But we have a moral outline and we will try to stick to that regardless of the pay cheque that comes our way.”

Holyfield is still interested in returningCredit: AFP

Holyfield was knocked out in a torrid clash three years agoCredit: AFP

It seems clear that Holyfield is likely to not be welcomed to fight again at the age of 61.

There are serious health concerns should the veteran step back in the ring, given his age and physical health.

It was proven when he took on far younger Belfort, who dispatched of him, which ended his hopes of securing a trilogy with bitter rival Tyson.

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His increased desire to fight came in the wake of Tyson announcing his surprise professional return against Paul, which will take place on November 15.

The 58-year-old will make a competitive return for the first time since retiring in 2005, despite several health concerns.

KSI himself has been critical of the fight, and has confirmed he wouldn’t dare follow in Paul’s footsteps.

He said: “Jake’s just getting heavier and heavier and heavier, obviously, because he’s just looking at the Mike Tyson fight – which I still don’t think is gonna happen.

“I think they’re gonna try and make an ordeal, and then eventually Mike will realise he actually can’t fight, and then I don’t know what they’re gonna do then.

“But for me, the Jake fight, I’m just gonna wait. I don’t really need to chase him, eventually he’s gonna have no other options, but to have to come to me.

“He’s just not trying to get involved. He’s in a bit of an awkward situation, so I think for him it’s probably easier if he just leaves it.”