Holmes wanted the fight because he was jealous that Tyson was getting all the plaudits when Holmes hadnt.

You may say that Holmes was out of shape, or rather, looked out of shape (as he always did) but against Holyfield and McCall he was even heavier but wan rounds against them and 4 years after Mike levelled him. When Holmes went down against Tyson it was like watching an old redwood being felled

So, an older, fatter, more retired version was able to push Holyfield, McCall and beat Mercer but never ever stood any kind of chance of even reaching the half way point with Tyson, let alone, win a round.

Holmes was used as an opponent for Mike because other than Spinks, there really were no other available, viable opponents. He had wiped the division clean.

As for your comment about Mercer losing to the older, fatter more retired version than Tyson fought because hed only been a pro for 3 years. Mike hadnt even been pro for 3 years