By Mark Vester

In a move that surprised many in the business, former heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield has signed with promoter Murad Muhammad. Muhammad, the focus of several controversial dealings in the past, told ESPN that he will partner with Holyfield's promotional company "Real Deal Events" to co-promote future bouts.

Last year, Filipino star Manny Pacquiao filed a lawsuit against Muhammad for allegedly skimming millions from his past purses. The heated court battle resulted in Muhammad paying out $800K to settle the suit, and Pacquiao being granted a release from his promotional contract with his company.

"We began negotiating and I offered him a wonderful deal. Evander, I believe, appreciated that. We had a deal way before he stepped between the ropes [in Dallas]. He appreciated that I believe in his ability. I believe, like he does, that he will become a five-time heavyweight champion of the world," Muhammad said to ESPN.

As previously reported on BoxingScene, Holyfield is targeting Turkish fighter Sinan Samil Sam for a November return. Muhammad also disclosed that he had a conversation with promoter Dennis Rappaport with respect to working out a deal for a 2007 clash between Oleg Maskaev and Holyfield.

"Dennis knows how to make a deal, but that fight won't happen this year," Muhammad said. "Maybe early next year. We would be honored for Maskaev to fight Holyfield."