By Phil D. Jay
Four-time world heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield has made a dramatic reverse in his decision to announce his retirement at his 50th birthday bash in Beverly Hills tomorrow.
The warrior from Atlanta, who is unbeaten since 2008, had publicly stated his intention to hang up his gloves after an offer to fight for a world title failed to materialize, but less than a day later has changed his mind.
“I already told people I was going to retire, but this morning, when I woke up, I thought about it some more and now I’m not going to retire,” Holyfield told Sports on Earth.
“Boxing is what I do best. It’s what I know.”
Holyfield has been holding out for a call from the Klitschko brothers after distancing himself from any fight other than a shot at a world belt, but has so far been disappointed as the Ukrainians avoid a bout with the ageing fighter.
“They won’t fight me. They have the right. If I can’t get the championship fight then I’ll continue to wait. Somebody is going to beat them at some point and then I’ll fight that winner.
“I can beat them. I feel I can beat anyone,” he stated.
The only other option for American legend would be to nail down a challenge against WBA belt holder Alexander Povetkin, which seemed almost certain towards the back end of last year.
The bout ultimately failed to happen though and Holyfield may face a long wait for a chance to fulfil his dream of becoming the world champion once again, with his last reign as title holder now twelve years ago.
Phil D. Jay covers boxing for worldboxingnews.net
