Holyfield Opponent Announced

By Mark Vester

It appears that former heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield is going to face Kentucky journeyman Jeremy Bates (21-11-1, 18KOs) on August 19, at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. Bates is West Virginia's former heavyweight champion.

Holyfield has not fought since November 13, 2004, when he dropped a one-sided decision to the lightly regarded Larry Donald. Holyfield is riding a three fight losing streak, dropping bouts to Donald, Chris Byrd and James Toney.

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Once a pound for pound champion, Holyfield has not won a bout since June 1, 2002, when he scored a technical decision over current heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman. Bates is riding a two fight losing streak and coming off a two-round knockout loss to heavyweight contender Ray Austin.