Evander Holyfield, 57, made it clear that he has no intention of fighting prime young fighters in his return to the ring.
The former four-time heavyweight champ, who has said he’s interested in exhibition for charity, seems himself in the ring with former rivals Mike Tyson (53), Riddick Bowe (51) or Lennox Lewis (54).
“It’s better you do it with people who have been around like you,” Holyfield told The Times of London. “I don’t want to go and fight someone trying to make a name for themselves. People want to see me and [Riddick] Bowe, of course, Mike Tyson and maybe Lennox [Lewis], that would be good. I’ll spar with anyone.”
Tyson kicked off all the talk about the legends returning to the ring when he posted a video of himself training and looking fit, after which he declared his intention to “fight” for charity.
Holyfield followed suit by posting his own videos and saying he, too, was coming back.
Some have supported the idea of the legends fighting for charity. Others worry about their welfare. Holyfield suggested that he and his peers will be just fine.
“Look, we are going three rounds. It’s not 10 or 15. Maybe there’ll be headgear,” he said. “My intention is not to knock someone out, but you’ve got 16-ounce gloves and you get good shots in sparring too.”