Per ESPN.com: Holyfield near deal to fight Valuev

Why won't this man retire :confused: He must be desperate for money. Valuev is not a good boxer, but this is a grotesque mismatch at this stage of Evander's career. Valuev's jab alone could seriously injure him.

45-year-old Holyfield, Valuev close in on agreement on world title match

By Dan Rafael
ESPN.com

Evander Holyfield has accepted an offer to challenge Nikolai Valuev for his heavyweight world title, the former four-time champion told ESPN.com Wednesday night.


Holyfield (42-9-2, 27 KOs) said his attorney is reviewing a contract from Valuev promoter Sauerland Event for a fight that would take place Dec. 20 in either Germany or Switzerland.
"It's solid. They asked if I will take the fight for the offer they made and if everything is straight up, I will take that fight," Holyfield said. "My lawyer is looking at it."


Although Holyfield will turn 46 on Oct. 19, he said other people make more of a big deal about his age than he does. If he wins the fight, Holyfield would become the oldest heavyweight champion in history, even older than George Foreman, who was 45 when he knocked out Michael Moorer in 1994 in one of boxing's greatest upsets.


"They said I was too old when I was 34 and was getting ready to fight Mike Tyson for the first time," said Holyfield, who knocked out Tyson in a huge upset to win a title. "There's nothing new with what people say. I have a desire and I am the one who got to train and I am willing to make the sacrifices necessary to be the best. Just imagine a 46-year-old guy being heavyweight champ of the world?"


It would be Holyfield's first fight in 14 months. In his last bout, he lost a unanimous decision in Moscow to Sultan Ibragimov for a version of the title in October 2007.


Many figured that would be Holyfield's last shot at a championship, but he said he never lost faith.


"I felt that I would get another opportunity," Holyfield said. "I don't believe in that fight with Ibragimov that I did enough to take the fight. He moved a lot and I didn't take the title from him. It was what it was. I was hoping I would get another opportunity and here it is. I'm thankful to God. Nobody mentioned my name about nothing, but this opportunity is here now."


Holyfield, who is 6-foot-2 and about 215 pounds, will be at a massive size disadvantage in the fight, like most of Valuev's opponents.


Russia's Valuev (49-1, 34 KOs), who regained a vacant belt by outpointing John Ruiz in a rematch on Aug. 30, is the biggest titleholder in history. He is 7-feet and weighs about 320 pounds. Holyfield, a light heavyweight in the 1984 Olympics and former cruiserweight world champion, said the size difference doesn't bother him.


"Of course, he will be the biggest guy I have fought but it's something that could be very interesting," Holyfield said. "I will have a big target. I have to do the things I believe he can't do. He can't move laterally. I got to get in quick, fight and don't stand still too long. I just have to be in tremendous shape to outmaneuver him."


Holyfield said he was looking for a new trainer to prepare him for the fight after working most recently with Ronnie Shields.


"I always keep myself in shape," he said. "I'm probably looking for another trainer. Ronnie left after Ibragimov. I haven't made arrangements yet on a trainer. I hadn't really thought of who would be the right person."


Holyfield made news in July when his financial problems were made public after the mother of one of his children took him to court over missing child support payments. There were also threats of foreclosure on his sprawling, 54,000-square-foot suburban Atlanta estate.


Holyfield would not disclose his purse for the bout, although it is less than $750,000.


"Whatever it is, I'm honored to get the opportunity," he said. "It is the lowest amount I ever made for a championship fight, but I am just appreciative I got the opportunity."

ESPN - 45-year-old Holyfield, Valuev close in on agreement on world title match - Boxing

Sad.

How Is Holyfield Getting These Title Shots!??!?!!

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Originally Posted by caleoh12

How Is Holyfield Getting These Title Shots!??!?!!

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Although he is washed up, his name still=$$$$.

This is a joke, Holyfield could end up in serious trouble if he carries on

I actually think Holyfield can win this fight. Valuev isn't all that good. Or hard to hit. And he doesn't hit that hard neither.

what is he doing

Let me the man live his life how he likes imo.

Holyfield is short of money?? :confused:

That is outrageous with the number of big fights he's had. Tyson we all know about, but you would think other top level fighters would have taken note and made sure to invest and be more prudent concerning financial matters.

It is quite sad really. I hope he wins, but he probably wont. He's inactive and way past his best.

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Originally Posted by miles

Holyfield is short of money?? :confused:

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Illegitimate kids take a toll on the bank account.

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Originally Posted by SweetPea

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Originally Posted by miles

Holyfield is short of money?? :confused:

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Illegitimate kids take a toll on the bank account.

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How many are there? :-X

He's a silly old man then. I have no sympathies for that carry on. I now hope Valuev knocks him out with a jab. ;)

Well from what i have gathered and read he is the father of 10 or 12 kids all that are from different mothers so yea that while take a toll.

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Originally Posted by Mr140

Well from what i have gathered and read he is the father of 10 or 12 kids all that are from different mothers so yea that while take a toll.

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It sure would. :-\

Man it is sad the only thing Holyfield had a weakness was with girls and that has caused him alot of problems i mean come 12 kids that is insane. But Evander Holyfeild still one of my favorite fighters and i hope he wins and can go out with a good win but man he is getting up there in years.

As per Dan Rafael, Valuev and Holyfield are working out a deal to fight on Dec. 20.

ESPN - 45-year-old Holyfield, Valuev close in on agreement on world title match - Boxing

This would be interesting if it happened 10 years ago. But considering the mess Holyfield had with Ruiz, I doubt it. I don't know, maybe I'm being cynical. Holyfield doesn't look AWFUL. Still has a great chin and has compensated for his faded reflexes by anticipating punches he can't get out of the way of. Valuev will have to lay on him a lot to wear him out. If Holyfield can put on his dancing shoes and fight from the outside he might be able to do some damage. Put it on Showtime; I'll watch.

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Originally Posted by Mr140

Man it is sad the only thing Holyfield had a weakness was with girls and that has caused him alot of problems i mean come 12 kids that is insane. But Evander Holyfeild still one of my favorite fighters and i hope he wins and can go out with a good win but man he is getting up there in years.

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It's not just the kids; he has a ridiculous mansion in Atlanta with something like 130 rooms and a $9,000 a month electric bill. Who knows what the taxes are on a house like that. The problem with athletes is they make millions a year and live like it. If you live right at your means and that money stops coming in, you are in trouble. I can't for the life of me understand why these guys making, say, $20 million a year don't live off the $10 million and put the other half away. They will still be living large off the $10 million and will have money set aside for their retirement. Makes no sense. A lot of fighters/athletes are like this, though. Apparently, BHop is good with his money.

History in the making

If Evander wins this not only is he the 1st ever 5 time champion but he will also be the oldest heavyweight champion in history.

Im looking forward to this one much more than the rest of the bum fights at this weight

Go Evander

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Originally Posted by GAME

History in the making

If Evander wins this not only is he the 1st ever 5 time champion but he will also be the oldest heavyweight champion in history.

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I think in this modern era of boxing you must distinguish:

He'll be the first 5x time heavyweight "titlest". Holyfield will likely only ever be a 2 time Heavyweight Champion.

I think this is great news. If it was on ppv Id buy it and most people I know would take interest in a boxing match for the 1st time in ages. holyfield is a name that transcends the sport . How many other active fighters can you say that about .

I love Holyfield.He is one of the main reasons I started following this great sport.Have every fight of his career save for 2 in 86' and a large portion of amateur career.Have a nephew with middle name of Evander.One of those fighters that you not only invest money & a following in but emotional investment as well.

This saddens me if it comes to fruition.The man should be retired and anyone surrounding him as far as management and corner that claim to care about him have a moral obligation to look him in the eye man to man and tell him IT IS OVER!!! Great Champion,Great career,cherished memories..........But you are not what you once were and your children need a father around.Retire and leave the sport with the same dignity and honor that you displayed inside those ropes on so many numerous occasions.....and not as some delusional broken man punching at shadows living in the past!! Honestly torn here.

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Originally Posted by GAME

I think this is great news. If it was on ppv Id buy it and most people I know would take interest in a boxing match for the 1st time in ages. holyfield is a name that transcends the sport . How many other active fighters can you say that about .

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Except the guy fighting under the name "Evander Holyfield" in 2008 bears absolutely no resemblance to the great fighter who once transcended the sport.

Holyfield is just another beaten down old man who shouldn't be fighting.

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Originally Posted by GAME

History in the making

If Evander wins this not only is he the 1st ever 5 time champion but he will also be the oldest heavyweight champion in history.

Im looking forward to this one much more than the rest of the bum fights at this weight

Go Evander

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Holyfield isn't good enough to fight the bums at this weight. :rolleyes:

Haters ! ;D