Return engagement: Holyfield says he owed Tyson another shot

      The rematch was a natural for many reasons, particularly financial. But the rematch also shows the tremendous amount of respect Evander Holyfield has for Mike Tyson.
      Holyfield and Tyson will meet for the second time Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden for the World Boxing Association heavyweight championship Holyfield took from Tyson in November. Holyfield won the first fight by technical knockout when referee Mitch Halpern stopped the bout 37 seconds into the 11th round.
      Holyfield, who has made over $100 million in the ring, could have retired after that fight at the peak of his profession as a three-time heavyweight champion.
      But Holyfield thrives on pressure and loves a megafight such as Saturday night's.
      "The most important thing is why shouldn't I give Tyson a rematch?" Holyfield asked after their first fight.
      Holyfield pointed out that Tyson gave him a chance and said he owed Tyson a rematch.
      "I think it is really important, if you look at the two opponents, Mike and myself," he said. "We are the two best out there. I was given an opportunity, and I won. I wanted to give him another opportunity to let him know it wasn't a fluke and that I can do it again."
      Holyfield is getting $30 million for the rematch but said it is more than about money. There have also been printed reports that Holyfield will receive $35 million, but the Nevada Athletic Commission received documents from Don King Productions on Tuesday afternoon showing Holyfield and Tyson each will receive $30 million purses. King has also said both fighters could make more off revenues from the pay-per-view television.
      "In the interest of fans, this is how sportsmanship is supposed to be displayed in the ring. I truly believe the whole world believes we are the best fighters out there," Holyfield said.
      Tyson said he feels the same way about the rematch and said if he wins Saturday night, there will be a Tyson-Holyfield III.
      "It would be only right to give him one," Tyson said.
      Holyfield also said giving Tyson a rematch was an opportunity for Tyson to redeem himself.
      "Everyone can have a bad day. That shouldn't stop them from having another opportunity," Holyfield said.
      Not that Holyfield thinks Tyson actually had a "bad day."
      "It comes down to proving yourself even on days when you feel bad. I feel I made the day bad for him," Holyfield said. "I feel I know the knowledge of the game to be able to do it again."
      Holyfield was leading on all three scorecards through the 10 completed rounds of their first fight.
      Judge Frederico Vollmer of Venezuela didn't have Holyfield losing a round and had Holyfield ahead, 100-93. However, he had four of the first five rounds scored even, which is inexcusable for a judge.
      Judges Dalby Shirley and Jerry Roth of Las Vegas each had it 96-92 for Holyfield.
      "That is one reason we demanded all Nevada officials," said Marc Ratner, executive director of the Nevada Athletic Commission. "In a fight of this magnitude, we must go with the judges we trust."
      Holyfield, who weighed 215 pounds for the first fight, scored a knockdown in the sixth round when he dropped Tyson, who weighed 222, with a left hook to the chest.
      Tyson went down on the seat of his pants and skidded back against the ropes with his legs in the air. He was also cut over the left eye by an unintentional head butt in the sixth round.
      Holyfield dominated the last five rounds before an announced sellout crowd of 16,325 at the MGM.
      Holyfield battered Tyson with a barrage of punches in the 10th round, knocking him across the ring with a right hand, and landed another flurry of punches just before the bell saved Tyson at the end of the round.