Mike Tyson is reportedly considering a comeback to the ring later this year, possibly against Evander Holyfield.

The boxing website, Ringsidereport.com, quoting a source close to Tyson, reports that his, "former promoter Don King has a tentative deal for Tyson to return to the ring in late 2010. The initial plan is to have Tyson-Holyfield III, but there is rumoured hesitation on the part of Iron Mike, and there is a plan B''.

The former world heavyweight champion, 43, retired in June 2005 after refusing to come out for round seven against the Irish journeyman Kevin McBride. The British heavyweights Danny Williams and Lennox Lewis had also knocked out Tyson in the closing stages of his turbulent career.

The 47-year-old Holyfield is due to fight the South African Frans Botha, 41, in Las Vegas on 17 April. He fought and beat Tyson twice, losing bits of his ear in the second bout. They spoke amicably when guests on Oprah Winfrey's TV show recently.

Alternative opponents named for Tyson include the former world cruiserweight champion Jean Mormeck, who lost his title to David Haye, and obscure heavyweights Tony Grano, Vinny Maddalone and Derric Rossy.

Tyson looked to have lost up to 40lbs for a recent walk-on appearance on the Italian TV programme, "Dancing With Stars", according to Boxing News, which would put him near his fighting weight of 15st 10lb.

Interest in Tyson historically has fluctuated according to his behaviour away from boxing, but his profile in the past couple of years has been largely sympathetic. He was moving and articulate in an eponymous documentary that won several awards, and had a small part in the hit Hollywood comedy, The Hangover.