By Mark Vester
In a recent interview with the New Jersey Herald News, hall of fame trainer Lou Duva is pleading for former heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield to hang up the gloves for good. Upon hearing that Holyfield is returning to the ring on August 18 to take on journeyman Jeremy Bates in Dallas, he became fearful for the health of Holyfield. Holyfield has not won a fight since 2002, lost his last three bouts and only won two out of nine fights in the last seven years. The last time Holyfield saw action was in 2004, when he dropped a lopsided decision to Larry Donald.
"I love the guy. I've got so much respect for him. He's a really good person. I just don't think he should be fighting. I just don't want him to go out this way. He shouldn't let people (mislead) him. He shouldn't let them talk him into something that's not there. I wish I could say something to stop it, but apparently I can't. I'll just have to pray that he doesn't get hurt."
Duva went on to say to that even if Holyfield beats Bates and goes as far as regaining the heavyweight title, in today's heavyweight division it's not a big accomplishment as compared to when Holyfield was in his prime.
"What can he gain from it anymore? Let's say he was the undisputed champion of the world right now. With the state of the heavyweight division today, what the hell does it mean anyway? I think he could beat a lot of fighters, but in the process, he's going to catch a lot of punches. And it only takes one punch to do it."
