Las Vegas Weekly

April 9, 2010 · 5:10 PM

Evander Holyfield aims to be the ‘undisputed heavyweight champion’

By Robin Leach

Evander Holyfield.

Photo: Tom Donoghue/www.donoghuephotography.com

It probably borders on the impossible! How can a 47-year-old former heavyweight boxing champion even get back into the ring, let alone fight another mighty warrior for the World Boxing Federation heavyweight belt? That’s exactly what will happen tomorrow night when Evander “Real Deal” Holyfield takes on South African Frans Botha at the Thomas & Mack Center.

In all fairness, Evander defeated such big names as Mike Tyson and Riddick Bowe, but even the Nevada State Athletic Commission has given him a license for only this one fight. Evander was heavyweight champion four times previously in Las Vegas -- in 1990, 1993, 1996 and 2000.

Evander told our colleagues at the Las Vegas Sun: “Las Vegas has been the place that’s given me the opportunity to be the person I am. I’m thankful for Botha giving me an opportunity to fight for a title again. My goal has simply been to be undisputed heavyweight champion. … I think my attitude is good when people tell me I can’t do something -- I’m driven by what people say I can’t do to prove I can. … I won’t quit seeking to do my best, and Saturday night, you’ll see me give my all.”

“To be perfect is to reach my goal. I thought I did it in 1999 against Lennox (Lewis). Here, in 2010, and it’s going to be a great fight. I’m telling you, Saturday night, I’ll look better than I used to be.”

Here’s a YouTube video of the pay-per-view pre-show.

Evander (42-10-2, 27 KOs) is coming off a controversial 12-round loss to then World Boxing Association champion Nicolai Valuev on Dec. 20, 2008. Frans is 47-4-3, 28 KOs, for the 12-round main event at the Thomas & Mack.

Frans said: “I’m defending my title against one of the greatest legends of all time. This will make my resume perfect. I’ve fought some of the best, and Evander is one of the best. Saturday night, I’m prepared for this. Evander had talent and experience. I’m getting in there knowing it’s going to be a tough fight. ‘The White Buffalo’ is roaming the prairie. I’m going to end your career, make you retire. The Buffalo is charging. I’m very grateful to be here. … Saturday night you’re going to see a helluva fight.”

Our contributing photographer Tom Donoghue will be at today’s weigh-in and tomorrow’s epic bout, and we’ll post his photo galleries later. In the meantime, for full analysis, photos and video, check out our colleagues’ coverage at LasVegasSun.com.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

Follow Robin Leach on Twitter at Twitter.com/Robin_Leach.

Follow Vegas DeLuxe on Twitter at Twitter.com/vegasdeluxe.

Follow VDLX Editor Don Chareunsy on Twitter at Twitter.com/VDLXEditorDon.

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