Where now for Evander Holyfield?

Many fans wish to see him retire for health reasons and, at the age of 47, who can blame them? However, Holyfield still claims he's going to be Heavyweight Champion of the World, and an Undisputed Heavyweight Champion for that matter. However, he never got that re-match with Valuev that many predicted and talk, on his own official web-site forum, that he could fight Vitali Klitschko for the WBC belt clearly isn't going to happen. Haye and Klitschko both have commitments now. That leaves Wladimir Klitschko - who I'm sure isn't contemplating a bout with Holyfield at this moment in time. I can't see Holyfield retiring without at least another fight, but his "mission impossible" of becoming Heavyweight Champion for a fifth time looks just that at the moment. If I were Evander, I'd look for a farewell fight for one of the 'lesser' belts. The WBU title is vacant, for example. He's been linked with Hasim Rahman and Frans Botha - hopefully win won of those, have a lesser belt to claim he's five-time champion and bow out gracefully. I can't see it happening though.

Comments (18)

merjohn32

But surely if he was fighting on for financial reasons, then he'd be jumping to fight whenever he can? Fact is he's fought twice in the last two years and both of those were title rights. There was the farcical situation in Ethiopia against blown-up ex-super middleweight De Retta which never happened, but apart from that he only seems interested in fighting for belts. Exactly, fighting for belts is the quickest way to get money, with millions in purse money win or lose. If he fights young contenders then he will likely lose and lose the chance and credibility to challenge title holders. :boxing:

16y ago

P4P_Cardiff

16y ago

Adamantium

i saw a list one time, dont know where though, but it said that he had earned like 500 mill. only ones over him was Tyson, and ODLH.. I read in a paper that his total fight purses was around 180M and Tyson around 300M.

16y ago

merjohn32

Health first evander. If money is an issue surely he can go on and become a pundit or writer etc to make a few extra pennies. Unfortunately, a few pennies won't cut it. Apparently, he has serious financial troubles: In June 2008 a legal notice was placed by Washington Mutual Bank stating that Holyfield's $10 million, 54,000 square foot, 109 room, 17 bathroom suburban Atlanta estate would be auctioned off on July 1, 2008 due to foreclosure. Adding to his financial problems, Toi Irvin, mother of his 10 year old son, filed suit for non-payment of two months child support (he pays $3,000 per month for this child). A Utah landscaping firm also has gone to court seeking $550,000 in unpaid debt for services.

16y ago

RockyB

i saw a list one time, dont know where though, but it said that he had earned like 500 mill. only ones over him was Tyson, and ODLH..

16y ago

Adamantium

I read a while back that his 12m in debt, I can't see him paying that back by fighting once a year, for under 500 k. He needs to retire, file for bankruptcy and restructure his child support payments.

16y ago

Stickman

Where now for Evander Holyfield? I suggest the Phillipines. Cost of living there is almost nothing (you can live like a king for maybe $800 a month). Many of the guys I served with retired there because their military pension can give them a lifestyle there that they'd never have a chance at here in the states. Also, you can get your kink on dirt cheap. Back in the '80's, you could get a couple of girls, all the booze and food your guts could survive, and a place to stay for a day or three, for maybe $10. The nights I actually remember spending there, I remember fondly.

16y ago

Enzo_Mc_is_SHIT

Surely he could make it in the media or as a trainer? He's a popular man.

16y ago

El_Cholo5954

if things are as tight as he says, then he needs to fight whoever for the biggest bucks possible.

16y ago

Sir_Tom_Jones

guess he thinks god's looking over him if rumors of him needing money are true plz tell me how you end up broke after being in two fights with Iron Mike Tyson & two fights with Lewis among others he made more in the 2nd Tyson fight then alot of fighters would make combined he must have been living a reckless livestyle http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YWKTBQ9Tobg/RhKPgPDk5ZI/AAAAAAAAAFk/Fd3A3fmoszg/s400/recycled-condoms%2520copia.jpg Not using these.

16y ago

ghost_deini

He should have retired a LONG time ago. Really he hasn't been a factor since the two losses to Lewis, the loss to Toney should have been his last fight. i swear the first Lewis fight was ruled a draw but yeah Toney gave him a serious beating Holyfield's career should've been over a long time ago even as far back as the first Moore fight he had heart problems this guy acts like he really wants to die in the ring or something guess he thinks god's looking over him if rumors of him needing money are true plz tell me how you end up broke after being in two fights with Iron Mike Tyson & two fights with Lewis among others he made more in the 2nd Tyson fight then alot of fighters would make combined he must have been living a reckless livestyle

16y ago

Stoppage

Holyfield's only chance of winning the title was against Valuev. He was robbed. I can't see him having any chance against the current world champions.

16y ago

pcr405

Health first evander. If money is an issue surely he can go on and become a pundit or writer etc to make a few extra pennies.

16y ago

Sir_Tom_Jones

Such a shame he missed the belt with Valuev. yes but i would not like to see evander getting hit by a bomb from Haye. Should be retired but been reported that he has money problems.

16y ago

Bad_Boy_Dazza

Such a shame he missed the belt with Valuev.

16y ago

TheGreatA

I believe he's fighting Frans Botha next.

16y ago

Johnny2hats

Agreed...it is about time he got the pipe and slippers out.

16y ago

bojangles1987

He should have retired a LONG time ago. Really he hasn't been a factor since the two losses to Lewis, the loss to Toney should have been his last fight.

16y ago