Sadly, Evander Holyfield and Boxing Deserve Each Other

Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield defeated Francois Botha by eight round knockout to capture the lightly-regarded WBF heavyweight title Saturday at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Holyfield (43-10-2, 28 KOs), the only boxer to ever win the heavyweight title on five occasions, is still adamant that he will again become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.

“I’m going to be the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world,” said Holyfield, 47, an alleged steroid abuser who was recently cited for domestic abuse. “George Foreman said, ‘It’s not about the age. He became heavyweight champion of the world.’”

Botha (47-6-3, 28 KOs) claimed he is not ashamed that he lost to a geezer like Holyfield and he lauded the spent “Warrior’s” abilities in the ring.

“Holyfield has got the skills. He’s got the determination,” said Botha, 41. “He landed his shots. He’s a true warrior. I didn’t feel ashamed losing to a true champion like him.”

Holyfield once was a “true warrior” and “true champion.”

Now, “The Real Deal” is everything that is wrong with the sport of boxing and he is making a mockery out of his legacy.

In August 2005, the New York State Athletic Commission compassionately banned Holyfield from fighting in “The Empire State” due to his “diminishing skills.”

Nevertheless, strictly for monetary reasons, Holyfield continues his foolish crusade in the squared circle.

“Holyfield is a classic case of not letting go,” said Ed LaVache, the owner of the Boston Boxing Club in Allston. “For a lot of these guys, boxing is all they know and it’s the only way for them to make money. So, they keep fighting until the fight is lost in them.”

“The Real Deal” is now determined to scrap the Klitschko brother’s and WBA heavyweight champion David “The Hayemaker” Haye (24-1, 22 KOs) to consolidate the various belts.

It is apparent that Evander Holyfield will “keep fighting until the fight is lost in” him.

Boxing and Evander Holyfield sadly deserve each other.