Mike Tyson breaks silence on Evander Holyfield trilogy after Jake Paul fight

Mike Tyson has turned down Evander Holyfield's invitation for a trilogy fight, instead asserting that their lasting friendship is the true trilogy. Now 58, Tyson stepped back into the ring to face 27 year old YouTube star Jake Paul in an eight-round bout at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Saturday.

Despite holding out the full distance, Tyson was defeated by decision to Paul in what many have called a lacklustre performance. The event, which debuted on Netflix as it makes its foray into boxing broadcasts, featured Holyfield on commentary duties.

In the aftermath of the match, Holyfield teased another encounter with Tyson by sharing a mock-up fight poster on social media. Nevertheless, Tyson is not being drawn into a showdown.

"I love you brother but the trilogy is our friendship," Tyson remarked, replying to Holyfield’s playful provocation with a comment on his post. The two initially faced off in 1996 in a battle for the WBA heavyweight world title at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, where they stood as globally acclaimed superstars.

Although Tyson went in as the favoured contender with odds stacked five to one against Holyfield, it was the less favoured fighter who emerged victorious with a dramatic 11th round stoppage. They met again the following year at the same locale, in a notorious rematch known as 'The Bite Fight', where Tyson was disqualified for biting a piece of Holyfield's ear.

READ MORE: Mike Tyson reveals he 'almost died' before Jake Paul fight on Netflix

READ MORE: Jake Paul's bizarre 'marriage' to famous ex and his Olympian girlfriend

Tyson concluded his career following back-to-back losses to Danny Williams and Kevin McBride in 2004 and 2005, only to make a comeback for an exhibition