Boxing Preview: Evander Holyfield – Jeremy Bates

Tomorrow night at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, former four time world champion and two division undisputed champion Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield, 38-8-2 (25), takes on veteran journeyman Jeremy “The Beast” Bates, 21-11-1 (18), in a non-title heavyweight bout. The 43 year old Holyfield is returning to the ring after a two year absence and is looking to get back in the heavyweight mix and search for one more shot at a title.

Holyfield was stripped of his license to fight by the New York State Athletic Commission due to his poor performances in the ring and accumulated amount of punishment he received in his last six bouts. It was obvious that a fighter of Holyfield’s caliber had fallen too far and in order to save him from himself, it was decided not to let him box.

Holyfield had been showing signs of great deterioration; at times only producing 20 or less punches thrown in rounds and had become somewhat of a punching bag for other fighters. He had also showed signs of slurred speech and his erratic views of his own performances helped cement the commission’s decision.

In a statement made to the press, Holyfield was quoted in saying his nagging injuries from years in the ring had affected his performance and that he is now rested and healthy.

The former champion had fought the who’s who of the cruiserweight and heavyweight division for 20 years. He holds wins over hall of fame fighters and former world champions such as Dwight Muhammad Quawi, Larry Holmes, Michael Moorer, George Foreman, Hasim Rahman, Riddick Bowe, Pinklon Thomas and Mike Tyson. He is recognized by most experts as the greatest cruiserweight in the history of the division and ranks on most lists of top 10 heavyweights in history.

Holyfield’s opponent in Dallas, Jeremy Bates, is a B level journeyman who holds an impressive KO percentage on paper, stopping 18 of his 21 victims, although none are of world class caliber. Bates’ most notable opponents to date are Ray Austin, Brian Minto and Kirk Johnson, all of whom he lost to by KO.

On a personal note I cannot go on without saying that I feel this bout is yet another notch in the belt of disgrace on the sport and a bigger moment of shame for the already worn out heavyweight division, showing just how desperate the once elite group has become.

Evander Holyfield had his license taken away for his own safety and it is a decision that should not have been overturned by another commission. It shows once again that money is more important than the fighter. This fight is beneath one of the sport’s most celebrated champions and it saddens me that this bout is allowed to take place.

I wish you the best of luck champ.