Prospects for a Holmes-Tyson Fight Are Viewed Favorably in Both Camps

Larry Holmes is looking for a fight.

Maybe against Tyrell Biggs, possibly with Gerry Cooney, “but I would prefer to fight Mike Tyson,” the former World Boxing Council and International Boxing Federation heavyweight champion said Wednesday in a telephone interview.

It appears that the Tyson camp also prefers a fight against Holmes.

“Right now, we’re thinking Holmes,” said Jimmy Jacobs, the co-manager of the 20-year-old Tyson, who will take a 24-0 record, with 22 knockouts, into a nationally televised fight against Marvis Frazier Saturday at Glens Falls, N.Y.

The 37-year-old Holmes knocked out Frazier, the son of former heavyweight champion Joe Frazier, in 1983.

Negotiations for a Holmes-Tyson fight are expected to begin next week, presuming Tyson beats Frazier.

Holmes, who held a piece of the title and was generally considered the premier heavyweight in the world for more seven years, gave up the WBC title in 1984 in a dispute with promoter Don King. He lost the IBF title to Michael Spinks, and also lost to Spinks in a rematch.