Evander Holyfield is out to challenge the Klitschko brothers for the world heavyweight title, the American boxing veteran said in an interview published by French sports daily, L’equipe.
Former heavyweight champion Holyfield, 49, said he wants to quit as champion and he was capable of beating the Ukrainian brothers.
Holyfield suggested that Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko were only seeking no risk title defenses and were interested mainly in a big income.
‘For both (the Klitschkos) it is only about where they can get the biggest purse. Well, they won’t get the biggest purse against second rate boxers, but against me, because I am the best known active heavyweight boxer.
But they don’t want to take risks,’ Holyfield told L’Equipe. ‘I want to retire as heavyweight champion of all federations. I could beat them both.’
The Klitschkos have ruled heavyweight boxing in recent years with Wladimir, 35, holding the IBF, WBO and WBA crowns and Vitali, 40, the WBC title.
Holyfield won one WBC, four WBA and three IBF titles in his career. He famously knocked out Mike Tyson in a 1996 title bout and retained the belt a year later when Tyson was disqualified after biting off a part of Holyfield’s ear.
Holyfield has been in the ring twice in 2011. His bout against Sherman Williams was a no contest after he suffered a cut on the left eye.
In May, Holyfield beat Denmark’s Brian Nielsen. He is due to box in Brazil in December against a yet to be determined man.
