Boxing legend Evander Holyfield is back in the ring for the first time in a decade when he faces mixed martial arts great Vitor Belfort on Sunday.
Holyfield — who famously had his ear bitten by Mike Tyson – will face 44-year-old Belfort just one month before his 59th birthday.
Belfort was set to face another boxing legend in Oscar De La Hoya, only for 48-year-old De La Hoya to be hospitalised with Covid-19 a week ago.
The event is labelled Triller Fight Club “Legends 2”, following the success of Mike Tyson’s own return to the ring last year.
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FEARS OVER HOLYFIELD’S ABILITY
The bout, which is being held on the 20th anniversary of the al-Qaeda attacks on New York and Washington, was originally scheduled to take place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
It was moved to the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida, after California boxing authorities refused to sanction the fight between Belfort and Holyfield due to the veteran’s age.
A 2004 defeat to Larry Donald saw New York authorities refuse to sanction any further Holyfield bouts due to his diminished capacity.
And video of Holyfield sparring in the build-up to this event raised significant fears over whether the five-time heavyweight champion should even be allowed to compete.
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‘Uncomfortable’ vision sparks concern for Evander Holyfield’s welfare
He hasn’t fought since 2011, but he had signed to fight Kevin McBride earlier this year — with a possible future fight against his old nemesis Mike Tyson on the horizon.
After the proposed McBride fight failed to materialise, Holyfield posted on Instagram in August that he’d been “training hard for months.”
“I promise my fans I will step back in the ring at least one more time before I lay my gloves to rest for good,” he said.
Belfort has no genuine professional boxing experience, though he fought once – a first-minute 2006 TKO of Josemario Neves that was a mismatch from the first punch.
But the former UFC fighter in the Heavyweight, Light Heavyweight and Middleweight divisions boasts plenty of knockout power – with a stunning 14 finishes in his UFC career including 13 striking finishes.
Holyfield was bullish about his chances in an interview this week.
“The fact is, I’m going in there with an MMA guy, and yeah, he does a couple of things right. He knows how to throw punches and he can deliver hard shots, but I can do more,” Holyfield told MMA Fighting.
“I just bring more to the game because (of my) the years of doing it.
“I kind of feel that you’ve got to have a lot of confidence to get in the sport and get it with me when I’ve been doing it a lot longer. I’ve been doing boxing since I was eight-years-old.
“Realistically, if you’re coming into boxing, you’re really coming into my field. I just want everyone to know that you have to be smart with what you want to do.”
Watch Evander Holyfield vs Vitor Belfort live on Main Event available on Foxtel and Kayo, Sunday 12th September from 9am AEST. ORDER NOW >
TRUMP IN COMMENTARY
Former US President Donald Trump is also in special commentary for the bout alongside his son Donald Trump Jnr.
“I love great fighters and great fights. I look forward to seeing both this Saturday night and sharing my thoughts ringside,” Trump said in a statement released by FITE TV. “You won’t want to miss this special event.”
Donald Trump in shock commentary gig for Holyfield’s comeback
IS IT AN EXHIBITION OR A ‘REAL’ BOUT?
The fight will take place under official sanctioned rules, with a winner decided by proper judges.
The heavyweight bout will be eight two-minute rounds with 12-ounce gloves.
But it’s unclear if it will be a sanctioned, official fight that will appear on their professional records – since Holyfield reportedly doesn’t want a potential loss to mar his incredible 56-fight record.
“It’s a fight, the rules are the same,” Holyfield said when asked if it would be an exhibition. “All I know is it’s a fight and they got the rules. If I can get him in one second, I’ll get him in one second … I do what I have to do.”
WHAT TIME IS THE FIGHT?
Action begins at 9am AEST. The big fight isn’t expected to start until around 1pm AEST depending on earlier results.
The other fights include Tito Ortiz making his boxing debut against fellow former UFC Champion Anderson Silva.
Watch Evander Holyfield vs Vitor Belfort live on Main Event available on Foxtel and Kayo, Sunday 12th September from 9am AEST. ORDER NOW >
HOLYFIELD’S RECORD
Nationality: American
Born: October 19th, 1962
Weight: 225.4 pounds / 102.2kg
Height: 5ft 11ins
Reach: 77 inches
Total Fights: 56
Record: 44-10-2, 29 KOs and 1 NC
BELFORT’S RECORD
Nationality: Brazilian
Born: April 1st, 1977
Weight: 206.2 pounds / 93.5kg
Height: 6ft
Reach: 74 inches
Total Fights: 0
Record: 0-0
FIGHT CARD
Evander Holyfield vs. Vitor Belfort
David Haye vs. Joe Fournier
Anderson Silva vs. Tito Ortiz
Andy Vences vs. Jono Carroll
Watch Evander Holyfield vs Vitor Belfort live on Main Event available on Foxtel and Kayo, Sunday 12th September from 9am AEST. ORDER NOW >
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