Mike Tyson insists he would have not knocked out old foe Evander Holyfield after watching ‘The Real Deal’ suffer in his comeback fight against Vitor Belfort.
Tyson and Holyfield had discussed a trilogy fight earlier this year after two titanic encounters in the 1990s, only for those talks to fall through.
Holyfield, 58, then opted to replace Oscar De La Hoya on a week’s notice in an exhibition bout against UFC legend Belfort in September.
The former cruiserweight and heavyweight champion was knocked down twice as he lost in the first round without landing a punch on a farcical night in Florida.
Tyson made his own return to the ring last November, fighting out a split decision draw with fellow ring legend Roy Jones Jr.
The two shared eight competitive rounds with both Tyson and Jones providing a good showing of themselves at 54 and 51 respectively.
Reflecting on Holyfield’s harrowing return, the Brooklyn fighter insisted he would never ‘try to hurt’ his old rival if they were to fight again.
He told USA Today: ‘He’s [Holyfield] always known for taking a great punch and I didn’t think he took a good punch.
‘If he would’ve boxed me, I would’ve never tried to hurt him. It would’ve gone eight rounds or 10 rebounds, but it would’ve been really exciting, you know.
‘I mean, they’re doing well, fighting hard, he didn’t get hurt, but that’s my intentions.’
After talks for a third fight with Holyfield collapsed, Tyson suggested earlier this year he was now chasing a meeting with another former opponent in Lennox Lewis.
The two shared an intense rivalry that raged during the build-up to their 2002 showdown with Tyson remaining coy on the possibility of a rematch.
‘Well things happen. But you know, keep your ears open because you’ll be surprised by other things you hear.
He added: ‘There’ll be a lot of surprises coming this fall and winter.’
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