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Evander Holyfield has told that he plans to carry on boxing and become world heavyweight champion for a fifth time.
The 43-year-old has not stepped into the ring since November 2004 when he laboured to a points loss to Larry Donald.

That result made it three straight losses for the American and led to calls for him to end his distinguished career.

However, Holyfield insists he has no intention of retiring and is even talking about having another 10 fights before he hangs up his gloves.

"I want to be the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world again," Holyfield said.

"I wouldn't talk about it if I didn't think I could do it.

"This time I'm going to do it a little differently. I'm not going to jump into the top 10 like I usually do. I'm going to work my way up."

When questioned about how many fights he was planning to have, he answered: "Could be eight, could be 10, could be more."

After losing to compatriot Donald, his fifth defeat in his last eight outings, Holyfield was hit with an indefinite medical suspension by the New York State Athletic Commission.

Under those terms, 'The Real Deal' is unable to fight anywhere in the United States until he is cleared by a doctor.

Holyfield feels his performances in his last two fights against Donald and James Toney were not a true reflection of his ability as he had not allowed himself to fully recover from a shoulder operation.


The man from Atlanta has now had an 18-month period of rest that has allowed him get ready to go again.

"I had a shoulder operation and I hadn't recovered," he said on his previous two performances.

"With my way of thinking, I thought I could beat both of those guys in the shape that I was in.

"Unfortunately I was wrong. Now that I've had a year-and-a-half with no fighting and no stress on my shoulder, everything's okay."

News of Holyfield's decision to climb back inside the ropes will not gain approval from a vast majority inside the fight game.

Yet the former cruiserweight champion, who's professional debut was back in 1984, feels those that really know him will understand his reasons for fighting on.

"I don't think there's a lot of people that want me to quit," Holyfield said.

"If people really knew me they know I'm supposed to be on top, and that's how I am supposed to retire.

"When people have faith and they are looking for a way to retire, they want it to be on top. It's not the way that you start, it's the way that you end.

"How many people are still a champ when they retired? I choose to retire as a champion."