By Mark Vester
In a recent article in Alabama's Press Register, former undisputed heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield says that he is still looking to regain the heavyweight title of the world.
"I guess the most important thing is to have a goal," Holyfield said. "My goal, at eight years old, was to be the heavyweight champion of the world. I'm blessed enough to be the only man who has been the heavyweight champion of the world four different times. Now, at the end of my career, I'm seeking to be the heavyweight champion of the world again."
Holyfield does not have issues with money, his legacy is secure, but he is fighting to regain the title in order to prove his critics wrong. He wants to prove that just because he got old does not mean he can't win a world title. I don't think age has anything to do with it, more like his skills diminish with every comeback bout.
"They told me I wasn't big enough and all that and I became the heavyweight champion of the world," Holyfield said. "When I lost, they said I could never get it back and I got it back again. Then they said I was too old and I got it back again. Then, I got it once again and they said He's a senior citizen.'
"I will be 44 on October 19. I don't believe that I have ever thought of quitting. Even though the commission in New York took my license, I had to go get re-tested and got my license back. Now at the proper time, I've been training about six or seven months to make sure that everything is right and I'm looking forward to August 19 to do my thing again. They've got me an opponent."
The most startling comment from Holyfield is his intentions to keep on fighting until the end of 2008, which could be suicide based on his recent performances, and some of the big punchers willing to fight him in order to add his name to their resume.
"And I will ( the heavyweight title). I will. There's a good chance, I figure 2007, and hopefully at the end of 2008 I will be retired."
