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Holyfield, Tyson to meet again at Ali Tribute
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson, whose last heavyweight championship bout ended with a bite instead of a punch, will meet face-to-face next week at the behest of Muhammad Ali.Organizers announced Friday that Holyfield and Tyson will meet Sept. 20 -- the day after the conclusion of the Ali Cup amateur tournament.
Holyfield retained the World Boxing Association heavyweight championship when Tyson was disqualified for twice biting Holyfield on the ear.
"Muhammad has established this meeting to set a tone for a healing process that will benefit boxing at all levels," said Skip Morse, project director for the Ali Cup and Ali Tribute.
"Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson standing together in unity is a tremendous show of support for amateur boxing and respect for the ideals of ... Muhammad Ali."
The Holyfield and Tyson camps issued statements Friday saying the fighters looked forward to the meeting and that the tribute to amateur boxing linked to Ali was the appropriate setting.
"It is very important to Mike that he meets with Evander and puts a regrettable occurrence behind them," the Tyson camp said.
Holyfield's camp said, "The meeting with Mike Tyson is a great way to do something that cleanses a great sport of something that all of us -- both amateurs and professionals -- in the sport regret. Evander likes Mike and appreciates how difficult it is for him. We are thankful for this situation and appreciate what Muhammad Ali did to make it possible."