Knockout Promotions wants the 'Real Deal!'

January 27, 2004

By David Rodriguez and Flattop

"We want to promote Evander Holyfield's next fight," said Hani Darwish of Knockout Promotions. "We are working very hard to get this fight and things are looking real good."

Darwish, and his brother Walid, have spoken with Jim Thomas, the attorney and advisor for Holyfield, on promoting the four-time world champion in his comeback fight.

Thomas stated to FightNews.com, "They (Knockout Promotions) have made a good faith proposal. I wouldn't call it negotiations. It just a general concept and we are continuing to talk, but we haven't reach the stage that you would call it negotiations."

Thomas commented that he has received several inquires on parties interested in promoting the return of the warrior Holyfield. "Everybody wanted to promote us once we began free agents. I have talked to a number of people, especially (from) overseas," observed Thomas. "The Darwish brothers are real people. Let's see what happens."

Thomas acknowledged that promoters Brian Young of Prize Fight Promotions and Gary Shaw have expressed interest in staging Holyfield's return fight. Thomas was quick to make a distinction between "inquires" and "more serious offers."

The proposal from the Darwish brothers is a little bit more specific than the others. They are talking about late spring. They gave a ballpark purse figure and talked about the type of opponents for that amount of money."

One thing is for sure: "Evander is going to fight," guaranteed Thomas.

Despite the pleas from the boxing fans, media and industry insiders for Holyfield to retire after the October 2003 dismantling by James Toney, the living legend refuses to retire.

Even his good friend - who happens to be his legal counsel and consultant - could not convince him otherwise.

"I spent half a day with him explaining to him why retirement could be done with honor and dignity. He listened and he said I am not doing that. He has not wavered. His statement is unequivocal. He is going to fight. Evander is a four-time champion of the world. Something will come along."

Holyfield's next opponent is almost as mysterious as his next promoter.

"Lennox Lewis needs to make up his mind. Chris Byrd doesn't have anyone to fight. Roy Jones needs to decide what he is going to do. Jones has a mandatory with John Ruiz. If Jones doesn't fight Ruiz, then we would like that fight."

"Evander wants to fight for titles," but Thomas left the door open for other possibilities saying, "Evander would take a non-title fight if something interesting comes along."

"Joe Mesi is another possibility. Mike Tyson is another one. I speak with Mike's lawyer occasionally to get a sense of where they are and see where Mike is."

What's the next step for the Darwish brothers if they hope to promote a Holyfield fight?

"They are a lot of things to discuss before we even get to the next stage. There would have to be a specific offer and opponent, a date; and a site." Thomas continued: "It is a matter if they can put together a package that we would accept. If and when they have a proposal that we are interested, then I would want a letter of credit."

"We are working very hard to get this fight and things are looking real good", said Hani Darwish optimistically.

"Most up and coming promoters would hope to promote a Holyfield," agreed Thomas. "Evander has to do what makes sense for him. He makes all of the decisions on his career. My job is to make sure I present as many opportunities as possible so that he has choices to make. Evander makes all of the final decisions."

What is Holyfield doing while Thomas gathers the data and the boxing world waits? "Evander is taking it easy and letting the smoke clear. He doesn't feel that he has a timetable."

"This is a man that no one tells what to do. I serve him. What made him great is how strong his mind is. All I can do is give him my best advice and guidance."

Meanwhile the Darwish brothers sit and wait. "We are the new kids on the block but that doesn't mean we have to wait. We have the backers and we want to have Holyfield's next fight," said Hani Darwish.

Questions or Comments? Please email David Rodriguez or Flattop