BOXING: HOLYFIELD NOT BITTER ABOUT BITER FIGHTER.

Byline: Michael Rosenthal

So Evander Holyfield says he'd like to fight Mike Tyson again.

One's first reaction might be, ``Say what?!'' What would possess a sane human being to step back into an enclosed area with a not-so-sane human being who bit off and spit out part of his body?

With Holyfield, it's not difficult to understand.

First, the champion, a very religious man, isn't vengeful. Tyson apologized for biting off part of Holyfield's ear on June 28 and said he's seeking psychological help. That's that.

It's a good bet Holyfield carries no ill will for Tyson. He's that big a person.

Second, there remains unfinished business. Holyfield, a prideful man, wanted to prove that his 11th-round knockout of Tyson in November was no aberration. And many believe he was on his way to doing just that when Tyson turned animal.

Until he knocks out Tyson again, many will wonder whether Tyson had merely underestimated Holyfield the first time. Holyfield is painfully aware of this.

And, third, there's that money. Who else could he fight and make the kind of money he made in the second fight ($33 million)?

Yes, it all adds up to a rematch . . if the Nevada State Athletic Commission doesn't ban Tyson for an extended period of time or life, which would make it difficult for him to fight anywhere.

How would the public react to Holyfield-Tyson III?

Oh, there'd be outrage. Many would declare that boxing had finally gone too far. Some probably would boycott what might be described as a travesty.

At the same time, bank on this: The fight would sell - big time.

This isn't about right and wrong. It's about supply and demand. For better or worse, the bizarre events of June 28 drew attention to the sport as no other events could have.

If Holyfield and Tyson were to do it again, even casual fans - drawn into the absurd drama of the second fight - would be interested.

Some would simply gawk at the spectacle and wonder what might happen next. Some would want to see Holyfield exact revenge (their revenge, not his) for Tyson's dastardly deed. And some, those actually interested in boxing, would want to see whether Holyfield could beat Tyson again.

Surely, promoters again could charge $50 for the pay-per-view telecast and pay the fighters $30 million-plus. And that would be their right. If the people are willing to pay . . .

However, expect promoters to employ some damage control.

How about this? Showtime, co-promoter of the fight gone bad, shows the third bout on free TV . . . well, cable TV. Of course, that'll mean no one associated with the event will make anywhere near the money they made in the first two fights - which is good. It'll sit better with the public.

And, finally, donate some portion to a charity - from money made from both fights - which is always a smart thing to do.

This way, the principals will still make a few million, a public that was ripped off the last time around will feel somewhat appeased and boxing could return to normal.

Normal for boxing, that is.

And the decision is . . .: The Nevada State Athletic Commission is expected to take disciplinary action against Tyson - likely a suspension and fine - on Wednesday.

What's reasonable?

A lifetime ban isn't? Tyson's actions were despicable and inexcusable. No doubt whatsoever.

However, if this case were to be heard in a court of law, two factors would play a significant role in the decision of a judge or jury. One, Tyson has shown remorse and sought help. And, two, it's his first serious offense in the sport in 48 fights over 12 years.

A one-year suspension - which would cost him millions in lost revenue - and a fine of, say, $1 million (to be donated to charity) would be appropriate.

That way, Holyfield and Tyson could do it again as early as next summer.

Boxing will survive: One crazy act, however despicable, won't do much harm to boxing.

The sport has survived so many strange events and it will survive many more.

Boxing survived when it was illegal. It survived an African-American heavyweight champion - Jack Johnson - when such a notion was utterly unacceptable to a racist white public.

More recently, it survived two bouts in which Andrew Golota was disqualified for low blows against Riddick Bowe. It survived after former champion Oliver McCall began weeping and refused to fight during a bout with Lennox Lewis.

The list goes on and on. This is boxing, this is part its appeal. One never knows what might happen.

``As long as you've got two guys, and one of them thinks he is better than the other, you'll have boxing,'' said veteran trainer Angelo Dundee. ``This is not the first time that boxing has been down and it certainly won't be the last.''

Good call: Teddy Atlas, who worked with Tyson in his amateur years, predicted the outcome of the fight.

He had said beforehand that Tyson would foul as a way to quit rather than lose.

``I knew the person,'' Atlas told the Philadelphia Inquirer. ``I know my business and I know the emotional landscape of this business.

``He has spent his entire life avoiding things, finding ways to manipulate, finding ways to get around things, having his problems solved for him.''

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PHOTO (color) Evander Holyfield answers questions from the media at a Johannesburg Airport.

Associated Press