Evander Holyfield's extraordinary career took a new twist today when it was announced the former four-time champion is to get another world heavyweight title shot at the age of 44.
Rolling back the years: Holyfield comes off a four fight winning run
Holyfield will challenge WBO champion Sultan Ibragimov at the Khodynka Arena in Moscow on Oct 13 after Ibragimov's original opponent, WBA champion Ruslan Chagaev, withdrew through injury.
Holyfield said: "This is the first step on my quest to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world and I'm glad Sultan Ibragimov was willing to step up and give me a shot."
Holyfield, who last fought for a world title when he was outpointed by Chris Byrd in 2002, is currently on a four-fight winning streak, though there remain concerns about his health.
After losing a lopsided decision to Larry Donald in November 2004, Holyfield was indefinitely suspended by the New York Athletic Commission on medical grounds, and did not fight for 21 months until the ban was lifted.
However his recent performances have been more impressive. Two months ago he knocked the former fringe contender Lou Savarese down three times en route to a points win.
And Holyfield is still big box office. He remains one of the most recognisable figures in his sport and is guaranteed a place in the Hall of Fame at the end of a championship career which started when he won the world cruiserweight crown in 1986.
Victories over the likes of Michael Moorer, Riddick Bowe and Mike Tyson made Holyfield one of the richest fighters in history. But he has continued to insist he will not quit until he claims the undisputed title.
Holyfield will become the second oldest heavyweight champion in history, behind George Foreman, if he defeats Ibragimov, who waded past Shannon Briggs to claim his title in June.
Ibragimov's fight against Chagaev was due to be the first unification fight in the division since 1999. However Chagaev's withdrawal has probably increased the interest in this contest.
Ibragimov said: "Of course I am disappointed that Chagaev pulled out of our fight and won't allow me to unify our titles, but fighting a legend like Evander Holyfield is even better.
"And though I respect what he has done in his career, once the bell rings it will be all business, because he is trying to take what I have worked so hard for - my world championship."
Personally,it will be Great if he wins..i vote for him..
comments ppl..who do u think will win??
Holyfield will challenge WBO champion Sultan Ibragimov at the Khodynka Arena in Moscow on Oct 13 after Ibragimov's original opponent, WBA champion Ruslan Chagaev, withdrew through injury.
Holyfield said: "This is the first step on my quest to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world and I'm glad Sultan Ibragimov was willing to step up and give me a shot."
Holyfield, who last fought for a world title when he was outpointed by Chris Byrd in 2002, is currently on a four-fight winning streak, though there remain concerns about his health.
After losing a lopsided decision to Larry Donald in November 2004, Holyfield was indefinitely suspended by the New York Athletic Commission on medical grounds, and did not fight for 21 months until the ban was lifted.
However his recent performances have been more impressive. Two months ago he knocked the former fringe contender Lou Savarese down three times en route to a points win.
And Holyfield is still big box office. He remains one of the most recognisable figures in his sport and is guaranteed a place in the Hall of Fame at the end of a championship career which started when he won the world cruiserweight crown in 1986.
Victories over the likes of Michael Moorer, Riddick Bowe and Mike Tyson made Holyfield one of the richest fighters in history. But he has continued to insist he will not quit until he claims the undisputed title.
Holyfield will become the second oldest heavyweight champion in history, behind George Foreman, if he defeats Ibragimov, who waded past Shannon Briggs to claim his title in June.
Ibragimov's fight against Chagaev was due to be the first unification fight in the division since 1999. However Chagaev's withdrawal has probably increased the interest in this contest.
Ibragimov said: "Of course I am disappointed that Chagaev pulled out of our fight and won't allow me to unify our titles, but fighting a legend like Evander Holyfield is even better.
"And though I respect what he has done in his career, once the bell rings it will be all business, because he is trying to take what I have worked so hard for - my world championship."
Personally,it will be Great if he wins..i vote for him..
comments ppl..who do u think will win??
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