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IN DANGER: Holyfield
Former British fighter says Holyfield legacy will be tainted
FORMER BRITISH heavyweight Derek Williams has blasted Evander Holyfield’s decision to climb back in the ring at the ripe old age of 46.
Holyfield announced his intention to fight the ‘Beast from the East’ Nikolay Valuev recently and his decision was met with a universal chorus of disapproval.
Holyfield, a former four-time heavyweight champion, has even re-entered the WBA rankings at number twelve, a move that has shocked Williams.
The fight is set to take place in Switzerland on December 20 and will be for the WBA heavyweight title.
In keeping with the time honoured theatrics that are synonymous with boxing, at a recent press conference to publicise the upcoming fight, Holyfield gave an insight into his desire to return to the ring.
He said: “My goal is to be undisputed champion not just to win one title. I think people make too much about age. I haven't fought in a year but I will be ready.”
He added: “They (the critics) will have to see the fight and know for themselves, I have taken care of myself and if I couldn't fight then I wouldn't fight."
But Williams, who is penning an autobiography entitled Leaving the Dream Behind, told the Voice of Sport that Holyfield’s decision was bordering on madness.
He said: “I’m disappointed in the guy to be honest, he’s destroying a legacy. You have to know when the dream has died.
“He laid the foundations on a marvellous career and now he is going to become no more than a stepping stone for people so that they are able to say they beat Evander Holyfield, because lets face it, he won’t beat anyone of note.
“If he does win a fight it will be against a has been or a nobody. Anyone who has something about them will beat a 46 year-old Evander and that’s that.”
Williams is worried for the health of Holyfield as much as he is about the fighter’s legacy. While it’s accepted within boxing circles that Valuev has limited ability, Williams warns that the seven foot fighter can still do damage.
He added: “Evander can get hurt and needs to watch himself. He may be fighting the Beast who is not a great fighter he still capable of hurting Evander because he’s been through wars over the years. That will have a lot to do with it. It’s sad that he can’t see that, crazy in fact.”
Published: 09 December 2008
Issue: 1350
