Round 3: A Dying Breed

Recently there have been talks of another rematch between two former legends of the boxing ring. Yet, a bout pairing the estranged 42-year old Mike Tyson and the brain-damaged 46-year old Evander Holyfield seems like a stretch for the sport. The two men have a checkered past, facing off twice in the 90's. Holyfield upset Tyson in the first match in November 96, yet most boxing fans remember these two names for the famous "Bite Fight." The two met again on June 28, 1997. Mickey Mouse Mike Tyson apparently made an executive decision to become a cannibal during the course of the fight. After taking bites at both of Holyfiend's ears, he took a small chunk that consequently ended up on the floor visible to ringside viewers and a paper-view audience worldwide. Iron Mike was disqualified and faded off into an oblivion, returning occasionally to make money and put on a "fight" if one could even call them that. The aging Holyfield was banned from boxing in 2005 because of "diminishing skills" despite the fact he passed several medical tests.



So why would anyone want to see a rematch between a couple of has-beens? Entertainment folks.. Obviously anyone who has observed boxing this past decade has seen a decrease in popularity. Don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking the sport, I'm not even knocking the match. I plan on ordering it on HD and having friends over for some beers.

As the popularity for MMA fighting has grown, the necessity for boxing has become scarce. The sport seems to be on it's death bed waiting for a pull of the plug. Boxing has clearly suffered with no emergence of new superstars, primarily in the Heavyweight division. Not to mention the most well known undefeated Welterweight Floyd Mayweather Jr. has recently joined World Wrestling Entertainment to challenge a 400-pound Big Show. The sport is simply lacking excitement. Therefore, why not bring two of the most controversial, most outrageous, but formerly popular figures the sport has ever known back together for Round 3.

Call me crazy, but I do not believe I am the only self-respecting individual who wants to see this match, for the pure "entertainment" factor. Boxing needs to set a date, this may be the one thing to resuscitate the sport. It just better last more than a few rounds.
-DP.