Don King, Tyson's promoter, began working to try to secure a match with Larry Holmes, the former WBC and IBF champion who had not been in the ring since 1986.

A rematch with Spinks the next year ended with a disputed split decision loss for Holmes, who announced his displeasure with the result after the fight and retired.

However, with an estimated $3 million being offered to him, as well as the intrigue of once again becoming the world heavyweight champion, Holmes ultimately agreed to face Tyson stating, "They stole my title, and I had to come back.

"[2] According to Holmes and Jim Jacobs, Tyson's manager at the time, the financial terms were negotiated for more than half a year, starting in the spring of 1987.

Rumours were abound that Tyson took the fight partially because he wanted to avenge Ali's (who was the guest of honor ringside before the bout) loss to Holmes earlier in the decade.

In an upset, Holmes would defeat Mercer by unanimous decision and earn the right to face Undisputed Heavyweight Champion Evander Holyfield.