Rumor: Mike Tyson comeback

Earlier this week, there were some rumors floating around that Mike Tyson may be coming back soon.  According to Ringside Report, sources close to Tyson say it's a "done deal" that he'll be returning to the ring.  The rumor was that Tyson had rejoined with former promoter and archnemesis Don King to make Tyson-Holyfield III.  Other names mentioned include Tony Grano (who recently upset Travis Kaufman), Jean Marc Mormeck, Vinny Maddalone and Derric Rossy.

It appears that the rumors were false, at least in part.  Consummate boxing reporter Dan Rafael has gotten word straight from the horse's mouth (or in this case, Don King's) that King is not planning a third fight between Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield. But could be be planning something else?

"It is not true. It is not true about no Tyson-Holyfield fight. That's wishful thinking. Maybe it's something I would do for old time's sake if they were interested in the fight, but I ain't doing that at this time. I have not even spoken to Evander Holyfield."

"I ain't ready to comment on that," King said. "Read between the lines. It really is something isn't it, all the interest there is in Mike Tyson?"

I wouldn't put too much stock into this.  Anything Don King can do to keep Don King in the news, Don King will do.  Mike Tyson has flatly stated that he's not looking for a comeback in a couple of recent interviews, including one with Oprah Winfrey and one with Jim Gray (where Don King was present).  But it does give some reason for speculation.  Reportedly, Tyson made a recent television appearance where it appeared that he'd lost a significant amount of weight.

If he does come back, I really hope it's not against anyone even of the level of some of the guys discussed above.  Mike Tyson will always have a puncher's chance, but there's nothing exciting about a fat old man taking punches to the head in the ring when his prime was 20 years ago.