Ring legend Evander Holyfield spoke about stepping in for Oscar De La Hoya to face UFC fighter Vitor Belfort on short notice on Saturday night on pay-per-view from Hard Rock LIVE at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida.
“When Oscar De La Hoya came down with COVID, they asked me to fight Vitor Belfort,” said Holyfield. “Training is what I do. Like I tell the young people, if you do things right it will work out for you. That works for older folks too.
“Boxing is a game and I know how to prepare for it against Vitor Belfort. I’m sure if I was getting in his game, I’d be in trouble but he’s getting into my game so he’s in trouble.
“I’ve been training for over two years because there were fights mentioned against other fighters. I realize now as I prepare to face Belfort I’m in good shape and I don’t get out of shape.
“It’s not so much that I miss it but people always ask about Mike Tyson and I fighting. They’ve offered so much money that I would definitely take a chance against someone I’ve already beat.”
“I think I look alright but this is after two years of solid training.
“Atlantic City became really big in boxing with Donald Trump, he did a great job promoting my fights.
“When I was young I didn’t have any bad habits and so I’m older now and feel good. I learned my whole life you’ll never be successful in life if you don’t take chances, that’s throughout my whole career.”
the difference between Evander and Oscar is the difference between cracking rocks , and crack rocks
I never found Holyfield to be a very compelling fighter to watch. Sure, he had great success in the ring, but most of his fights bored me. He presents himself as a good guy, a momma’s boy, and a man of God, yet it’s obvious looking back at his fights with Tyson, that he was on steroids. He cheated against Tyson, and I believe one of the reasons he is so obsessed with Tyson till this day, always mentioning him no matter what in every interview, is because he doesn’t know if he ever could’ve beat Tyson without cheating. That’s a heavy burden he carries around, wondering if he could beat Tyson without the steroids and knowing that he cheated to win.
I have no interest in seeing him back in the ring, especially if one of the commentators is that disgusting cancer on society, lounge lizard Trump. Shame on Holyfield for even mentioning that phony, viral genocide-supporting clown in a favorable light.
You are obviously a butt hurt tyson fan. Holyfield bored you?? Hahaha, he put on some of the most legendary performances that the sport has ever seen and almost always at a disadvantage in weight. And he whooped Tyson’s ass! Would have knocked out him twice but Mike decided to bite to get out. You are completely clueless! Now whether he did or did not use roids, I have no idea as that is pure speculation without facts. But to say he was not compelling to watch, just wow, that dude has shown more heart in the ring than just about anyone. Hell you probably don’t like arturo gatti fights either. SMH!
Tell em Steve!! Evander was one of the most exciting Cruisers of our time and YES, as an undersized Heavy he was an overachiever!!! The fights against Bowe and Tyson more than cemented his legacy! Heck his fight against Foreman was an absolute barn burner
Lexus
I can understand your perspective. I am a much bigger Tyson fan than Holyfield but the man has proven his character. I do believe Tyson beats him at their best in a close fight.
but Tyson would have to be at his best. Nothing less would allow him to beat Holyfield’s will. Do you not remember the courage Holyfield exhibited when he fought to stay standing in the 10th round against Bowe?
I do believe Holyfield took steroids. But, you can pick faults in every person on the planet. Same with Trump. He can be an arrogant ass at times but the man did more fighting for this country than any other recent POTUS. He seems to love this country more than other DC bred politicians. To equate Holyfield and Trump for being able to rationalize this is a lack of thinking.
I am happy for DLH. I think this was a bad match for him. But, even a 58 y/o Holyfield will tear Belfort’s body up.
Without a doubt one more ridiculous comments ive ever read.
His fight vs. Qawi, Dokes, Cooper, Bowe 1,2 or 3, Tyson, Foreman… yeah real boring.
Are you truly that naive about cheating? And who cheats. Got news for you: almost all of them do.
A few years ago Errol Spence had visible bitch tits. Where do you think those come from?
I bet you think Juan Manuel Marquez was a better fighter in better physical condition and muscularity at 35 than 25 because he drank his own urine. Oh Brother! You probably think Alvarez ate tainted beef too. But Holyfield is a cheat. Lol. Nobody ever talks about Tyson being a cheat but you should look into cheque drops and Tysons rumored use.. To say nothing of biting off somebodies ear.
Absurd.
This is actually a “ridiculous “comment. Many guys have extra development in their nipples and they have never used steroids. And many have used steroids and hardly ever show that particular development. Some people are simply built differently. He had that since a teen competing in Olympic Boxing testing. Too many guys have been obsessed with EJs nipples its ridiculous. EJ does year-round VADA program so dont bash a fighter because you cant stop looking at his chest.
Thought this was pretty uneducated until I got to the last paragraph. Then you confirmed it. Crack open a book once in your life.
lol are you serious? You must be one of those Manny Pacquiao fans who knows nothing about boxing. How can you NOT find Holyfield compelling especially with all of the wars he had with Bowe and how he put a beating on Tyson TWICE!
Wow. Don’t comment too often, but thought I might on this one. Evander is held in some of my fondest boxing memories. The man showed nothing but heart, skill and class throughout his career. Win or lose the man fought bell to bell. And in an Era that held not just a few good heavyweights. And as far as his beliefs, actions or the question of p.e.d.s….unless you have facts to a crime, you’re best to keep offensive opinions to yourself. Because without those facts, you’re stinkin’ like sour grapes.
Holyfield’s bad habit was using his head while he boxed coming in on the inside. Holyfield would literally lead with his head and push right up against his opponent. He would get warned but never points taken away. Let’s hope this bad habit is gone in this “exhibition”. Nice try Florida saying this is a “fully regulated boxing match”. Those terms I am sure have disclaimers and many “ifs” in the final contract.
IF this needs to happen, an exhibition is a better option. imo.. the winner gets Larry Holmes 🙁
“Boxing is a game and I know how to….”
– Surprised to hear this from Holyfield (that Boxing is a game)
Holyfield can easily destroy anyone of us on here who comment.
Fighting at his age is already phenomenal..cut the crap!
Big Iron Mike Fan here for many years, however I understand Mike’s style of fighting has to do with intimidation which Evander never fell for. Mike knew Evander was the real deal and solid performer(all through the amateurs too) and wouldn’t run away like say Tucker and many others did. Both ATG’S, Holyfield=Warrior
Holyfield has been blessed with great genetics for boxing, just as LeBron James hit the genetic lottery for basketball. Holyfield could be in a 12-round slugfest & emerge without a mark on him, which has been the most incredible thing I have ever seen in my entire life as both fighter & fan!
I’ve always love Holyfield. Awesome guy.