Forgiving Holyfield Would Fight Tyson Again If Time Is Available

Evander Holyfield says he’s forgiven Mike Tyson for biting off part of his ear and would not rule out fighting him again.

“If time permits,” the WBA and IBF heavyweight champion of the world said when asked Tuesday at a Haamburg, Germany, news conference about a possible rematch.

Tyson was disqualified after he bit off a piece of Holyfield’s right ear and also bit the left ear in the third round of a title rematch June 18.

Holyfield said all people make mistakes and should be given the opportunity to redeem themselves.

He said he plans to retire in 1999 or 2000.

“Right now we looking for the best fight,” he said in answer to a question about his next possible opponent.

Shannon Briggs insists he doesn’t have to prove himself to anybody. But he may have a lot to prove following his controversial decision over George Foreman.

He will get the chance March 28 in Atlantic City, N.J., when he challenges WBC heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis of Britain.

Panos Eliades, Lewis’ promoter, said in London the total purse for the fight will be about $8 million.

Former heavyweight boxer Tommy Morrison was sentenced to six months in jail after being found guilty in a drunken-driving case in Jay, Okla.

A kickboxer hit with several punches to the head during a martial arts bout over the weekend in Los Angeles has died, the executive officer of the California State Athletic Commission said.

Redone Bougara, 23, a native of France who lived in Culver City, Calif., died of brain injuries at Daniel Freeman Hospital in Inglewood, Michael Wells said.