Holyfield to return to ring to take on 'Russian Giant'
Holyfield has been out of the ring for over a year
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Thursday, 13, Nov 2008 09:29
Evander Holyfield is set to return to boxing at the age of 46 with a fight against Russia's Nikolai Valuev for the WBA heavyweight crown.
The fight will take place in Zurich on December 20th and will be Holyfield's first fight since his defeat to Sultan Ibragimov a year ago.
The 35-year-old Valuev, who stands at seven-foot tall and weights over 330lbs, admitted he is taking the threat of Holyfield very seriously.
"Holyfield was a great champion," said Valuev.
"He is very experienced, but I have no doubts that I will beat him. I take this fight very seriously."
"Holyfield is a strong opponent ... Ten years ago I would not have dreamed of getting into the ring with this champion."
Four-time heavyweight champion Holyfield boasts a record of 42 wins and 27 KOs with nine defeats - four of which have come in the last six years.
Holyfield lost his last world title in 2000, while Valuev recaptured the WBA title when he beat John Ruiz in Berlin in August this year.
Holyfield insists that he wants to keep on fighting until he regains the title again.