Triller to host Evander Holyfield v Kevin McBride exhibition
Well it looks like four-time heavyweight champion Evander “Real Deal” Holyfield (44-10-2, 29 KO’s) will indeed be staging a ring-return. His opponent, however, will be Kevin “The Clones Colossus” McBride (35-10-1, 29 KO’s) instead of the expected opposition of “Iron” Mike Tyson. Holyfield and Tyson have flirted with the idea of staging an exhibition match for quite some time. In recent months, it appeared that the event was getting close to becoming a reality. Now, it appears that, as is often the case in boxing, the bout fell apart due to behind-the-scene rationales.
Prior to their retirements, Holyfield and Tyson staged two very memorable prizefights, of which the Real Deal won both. The most notorious moment out of their pair of scraps was when Tyson bit off a piece of the Holyfield’s ear. This is an iconic moment in the sport, period. Since that incident, and disqualification, the two have buried the hatchet and harbor no ill-will toward one another.
Evander Holyfield in recent months has been extremely vocal about wanting to lock horns with Iron Mike again. In his opinion, they would be “must-see tv” and would pull in a truckload of money. This remains to be seen. Tyson staged a ferociously forgettable exhibition with Roy Jones Jr last November 28. Ahead of the bout, both men promised to go to war and titillate the audience at home. Yet, once in the ring, the two former titans did little outside of breath heavy and look every minute of their advanced ages.
Now, Holyfield will test his withering might against Kevin McBride on June 5. The two will trade leather on the Teofimo Lopez versus George Kambosos undercard hosted by Triller. Neither of the two fighters has fought professionally since 2011. McBride is probably the most known for being the last person that Mike Tyson fought professionally. The bout was an ugly, clinch-filled affair that would see the once seemingly invincible Tyson meekly quit on his stool. McBride would then go 2-6 in his next eight fights before retiring after three consecutive losses himself.
It’s hard to believe that anyone outside of the fighters themselves is even remotely excited about this news. No one asked for it, no one thought about it and no one wanted it but we’re going to get it, like it or not. It has been reported that they will stage 8 two-minute rounds minus headgear. So if you catch the Lopez vs Kambosos card, this will be on there to check out. Or it will give you a chance to freshen your drink or plate up. Honestly, you won’t be wrong either way you might go!
By: Bakari Simpson
