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DEL.ICIO.USDon’t count Holyfield out
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Terence Moore
Since Evander Holyfield hasn’t a problem with trying to fight until a couple of years after the sun drops from the sky, neither should you. His Hairness has it right by saying, “Only in America.” Remember, too, that Tuesday is the Fourth of July, which commemorates our inalienable right to get punched in the face as often as somebody is willing to pay us.
So leave Holyfield alone in his pursuit of becoming the only five-time heavyweight champion. He has 43-year-old legs after dropping three straight and going 2-5-1 in his last eight bouts, but he has a decent chance to shock the world.
You know, again. This time, Holyfield is ignoring the chorus of “What in the name of Sugar Ray Robinson is he doing?” by preparing to climb between the ropes in August for the first time in two years. In case you haven’t noticed, he is a living Rocky, and he has stuck and moved his way through doubters to rise from an Atlanta ghetto to a Fairburn mansion.
“They didn’t think I was going to make the Olympic team, and they didn’t think I was going to beat Dwight Muhammad Qwai,” Holyfield told me, easing into an impressive roll call. This was after he announced that he’ll resume his career in Dallas against Jeremy Bates, or is that Bill (Herschel Walker) Bates or Norman (“Psycho”) Bates?
Anyway, Holyfield added, “They didn’t think I would beat Buster Douglas. They didn’t think I would come back and beat Michael Moorer. They didn’t think I would beat [Mike] Tyson. And I know good and well, me, being a five-time heavyweight champion of the world, they don’t believe that either.”
Here’s what I believe: Holyfield isn’t saying all of this because he is living in La-La Land after getting smacked around during his last fight by the forgettable Larry Donald. Most heavyweights these days are forgettable, which is the first of two reasons why Holyfield’s comeback makes sense. Lennox Lewis was the closest thing to the undisputed champion, but he retired. Vitali Klitschko was the next-closest thing to Lewis, but he also retired. Now the division is cluttered with the likes of Samuel Peter, Calvin Brock, Lamon Brewster and Nicolay Valuev among the top 10 contenders.
Holyfield isn’t worse than those guys, and I hear you. The forgettable Larry Donald is one of those guys. The same goes for James Toney and Chris Byrd, Holyfield’s opponents before Donald. But when Holyfield lost those fights, he suffered from several ailments. Leg and neck cramps. Bad back. A surgically repaired shoulder that he continued to ignore, although doctors told him to rest for two years.
Which brings me to the second reason not to dismiss Holyfield’s dream: Relatively speaking, he’s healthy. “Since I don’t like pulling out of fights, I kept going during those three straight losses, even though I was hurting, but this is the best I’ve felt since 1993,” Holyfield said. In contrast, Don Turner, his former trainer, attributed the boxer’s aches and pains to age. So did Jim Thomas, Holyfield’s former lawyer, and Holyfield said boldly that he ousted them for their disbelief.
There also were the New York State Athletic Commission folks who kept Holyfield from fighting in the United States with a suspension for “poor performance” against Donald. After Holyfield protested, he passed a series of medical tests. The suspension was changed from medical to administrative, and he was allowed to fight anywhere but the state of New York.
Thus the Texas fight.
“As bad as it was for [the New York commissioners] to do what they did, it was a blessing,” Holyfield said. “It allowed a lot of fights not to come off, but I kept training as if I was going to fight anyway. During that time, everything [legs, neck, back, shoulder] got back right. Now people will see a rejuvenation, and you’ll hear them say, ‘How in the world could his career jump back up to this high level?’ “
Even if the current Holyfield is more the Rocky of Clubber Lang than the one of Ivan Drago, the bottom line doesn’t change. Added Holyfield, with “Stars and Stripes Forever” rattling around my subconscious, “All successful people, at some point, they had somebody call them crazy, but that’s what makes our country such a great country. If they call you crazy, they still can’t stop you from trying.”
Actually, they can, but it would be unpatriotic.
Permalink | Comments (24) | Post your comment | Categories: Terence Moore
Comments
By Me
July 2, 2006 11:21 PM | Link to this
Terence - here’s a shocker: you write a moronic column again. Holyfield is old, and his brain is guacamole. This guy couldn’t fight his way out of a wet paper bag. If he fights again, he’s going to sound like Muhammed Ali sooner than later. Rather than fighting, he should focus on not having any more children with any more women. And Terence - you should focus on finding a new city in which to write since we’re all pretty much tired of your boring shtick.
By nunnayobiznezz
July 3, 2006 02:21 AM | Link to this
I love Evander..I love what he brought to the sport of boxing..A great human being,a stand up guy,and a true sportsman..I would even love it better,if he just exits out,and stays out..Sometimes,u get an athlete or..lets put it in this perspective..My step-father is an retired electrician..Whenever there are city workers,or repairmen doing anything to a house,wires,telephone poles..He gets antsy,and goes out and watches and talks to them,like he is gonna work with them..Thats what Holyfield has..He has a strong will and love for his profession,but he can’t let go..
My stepfather,does not get in the way,or back to working doing what he loved..He learned to let go,but..he is still active in his profession..E can do it too..Become a trainer,a promoter,a boxing tv analyst..He would have contracts out of the bazooka lined up and offered to him..We love U E., but your time has passed U..
Learn to let go…….
By nunnayobiznezz
July 3, 2006 02:21 AM | Link to this
I love Evander..I love what he brought to the sport of boxing..A great human being,a stand up guy,and a true sportsman..I would even love it better,if he just exits out,and stays out..Sometimes,u get an athlete or..lets put it in this perspective..My step-father is an retired electrician..Whenever there are city workers,or repairmen doing anything to a house,wires,telephone poles..He gets antsy,and goes out and watches and talks to them,like he is gonna work with them..Thats what Holyfield has..He has a strong will and love for his profession,but he can’t let go..
My stepfather,does not get in the way,or back to working doing what he loved..He learned to let go,but..he is still active in his profession just by watching..E can do it too..Become a trainer,a promoter,a boxing tv analyst..He would have contracts out of the bazooka lined up and offered to him..We love U E., but your time has passed U..
Learn to let go…….
By nunnayobiznezz
July 3, 2006 02:22 AM | Link to this
I love Evander..I love what he brought to the sport of boxing..A great human being,a stand up guy,and a true sportsman..I would even love it better,if he just exits out,and stays out..Sometimes,u get an athlete or..lets put it in this perspective..My step-father is an retired electrician..Whenever there are city workers,or repairmen doing anything to a house,wires,telephone poles..He gets antsy,and goes out and watches and talks to them,like he is gonna work with them..Thats what Holyfield has..He has a strong will and love for his profession,but he can’t let go..
My stepfather,does not get in the way,or back to working doing what he loved..He learned to let go,but..he is still active in his profession just by watching,and being around others in it..E can do it too..Become a trainer,a promoter,a boxing tv analyst..He would have contracts out of the bazooka lined up and offered to him..We love U E., but your time has passed U..
Learn to let go…….
By Rod
July 3, 2006 07:34 AM | Link to this
Well Terence, I hope you’ll be happy when he gets killed in the ring. A simple case of a has-been who can’t adjust to reality. All the man could ever do was fight and impregnate women (any woman would do). He can’t admit he’s old with a bad heart.
By Steve
July 3, 2006 07:35 AM | Link to this
Sure, he can let the world watch (through news reports, not by buying tickets and PPV) a man make a fool out of himself one more time. Even if he wins, it is about as important as him beating me in the ring. Who cares? Maybe Creflo decided he needed to newer model Bentley and preaching a false Biblical doctrine (the false and anti-Biblical “prosperity doctrine” that only makes Creflo wealthy) the lower income and gullible class just wasn’t going to foot the bill? Creflo seemed to take his share in the past.
By Hotlanta
July 3, 2006 08:12 AM | Link to this
If Holyfield didn’t have all of those babies and wives he wouldn’t have to fight at all.
By Hotlanta
July 3, 2006 08:13 AM | Link to this
If Holyfield didn’t have all of those babies and wives he wouldn’t have to fight at all.
By Hotlanta
July 3, 2006 08:14 AM | Link to this
If Holyfield didn’t have all of those babies and wives he wouldn’t have to fight at all.
By Hotlanta
July 3, 2006 08:14 AM | Link to this
If Holyfield didn’t have all of those babies and wives he wouldn’t have to fight at all.
By Ken
July 3, 2006 08:34 AM | Link to this
I remember years ago after Ray Leonard retired, before the Marvin Hagler fight one day seeing Leonard doing Church’s chicken commercials. Now lets see, just how much money could a little chicken company be paying Leonard? Its not like Churchs chicken is the Coca Cola company. I remember telling myself it wont be long before Leonard is back in the ring, he must be broke. Sure enough, Leonard was broke, divorced, and had child support to pay. Therefore what the previous poster said has some actual credibility. Holyfield must be near broke again. The taxes on that palace and all the child support must cost millions a year.
I truly feel sorry for Evander.
KW
By FalconsFan
July 3, 2006 08:35 AM | Link to this
Its just sad.
Holyfield should not be allowed to fight again for his own good. Anyone that cannot see that does not care about Holyfield.
Including his corner people, drs, lawyers, trainers, who want another payday.
By uga4ever
July 3, 2006 08:47 AM | Link to this
HE CAN’T EVEN SPEAK CLEAR SENTENCES NOW. It is sad that stations have to use subtitles when the interview him. It is simply for a paycheck, and it could cost him his life. He has made MILLIONS over the years, but I bet he has p** it away.
By Skywalker
July 3, 2006 09:12 AM | Link to this
This is obviously about the money. He has no reason to fight. He’s had a respectful career and at this point he has nothing to prove. I hope he doesn’t take any more punches to the head. He’ll be shakin soon.
By kph
July 3, 2006 09:13 AM | Link to this
I hope I am wrong but I dont think Evander should fight again however I would love to see him win a 5th championship.The first Tyson fight was the most memorable and exciting fight I ever watched. One of my co workers from New York had a party that night and had also invited several of his family and friends from New York. They were all telling me how bad my hometown boy was going to get whipped by thier hometown boy New Yorkers can be very boisterous at times as even they will admit. Anyhow this old southern boy collected $800.00 from eight of those New York fellas after the fight and got a little boisterous myself. I have been a big Holyfield fan ever since. Thanks for the memories Evander and may God watch over you in all that you attempt.
By Jamal
July 3, 2006 09:55 AM | Link to this
Evander- you are destroying your legacy. Still hanging on to what once was. I don’t think that head of yours can take much more. There is a reason only a couple of states will let you fight. You have been denied by Nevada, New Jersey, California, and Connecticut. You speak a new language these days as it is. Good luck and may God be with you.
By Jim
July 3, 2006 12:03 PM | Link to this
Holyfield isn’t fighting because he needs the money. He’s fighting because of a love for the game, and the knowledge that he WILL win the heavyweight championship of the world once again. All you non-believers will soon see. What will you say when Evander wins the heavyweight title for a fifth time?
http://eholyfield.proboards104.com/index.cgi
By JJ420
July 3, 2006 01:21 PM | Link to this
Well done Mr Terence Moore for having the courage to write what you believe rather than just singing to the “experts” (lol) song of “He’s too old to become champion”.
This article is excellent (unlike others) because it actually acknowledges the fact that Evander Holyfield wasn’t in the best of health for his last few fights. When taking that into account, Holyfield has not performed that badly. Also, Evander should have got the decision for the 2nd and 3rd Ruiz fights. So, his fight record doesn’t give a true reflection of how the future is holding for Holyfield.
The Evander Holyfield era isn’t over yet - history will be made once again. Get ready for the first and only 5 time heavyweight champion of the world.
Take care and God bless.
By The Grinch
July 3, 2006 01:29 PM | Link to this
Holyfield is a great guy. He was also a great boxer. Unfortunately, the same spirit that helped him defy the odds in the past is going to be his undoing. Nothing can erase his accomplishments, but it looks like he’s going to do everything he can to try. Very sad, indeed.
By Jim
July 3, 2006 02:59 PM | Link to this
Ken, I’m going to address your ignorant comment once and once only:
“Holyfield must be near broke again.”
Evander has never been broke, and is not broke now. Unlike others (namely Mike Tyson), Evander is smart with his money. As I pointed out earlier, Evander is returning out of a love for the game, and in knowing he WILL regain the heavyweight title for a fifth time.
http://eholyfield.proboards104.com/index.cgi
By Tommy Hawk
July 3, 2006 04:25 PM | Link to this
Holyfeild’s comeback would be a joke if the heavyweight division was not one but unfortunately it is. Mr. Moore was dead on with that point.
I liked him until all his out of wedlock children surfaced. I would have not had a problem with it except it contradicted his “Christian Image” which he shoved down our throats at every momnet he could. He should never have talked the talk if he couldn’t walk the walk as far as his religious views. Now it all comes across as not being sincere and it was just a marketing ploy to make money.
Healthy or not he is in his 40’s and has taken a lot of shots, I don’t expect him to win another title unless he gets extremely lucky like George Foreman. Sure he will win against scrubs but any fighter worth a damn will make quick work out of Evander.
Good article Mr. Moore and good points made.
By Steve
July 3, 2006 06:31 PM | Link to this
For the dimwit pushing the website, and saying Evander was “smart” with his money. The fact that he got involved in Creflo Dollar’s scam takes care of that. Then, of course, we get to the rest of his personal issues. “Smart” is not a term used to describe him, even before he lost his ability to form a complete sentence. He certainly has the right to come back, fans have a right to not care, and he has a right to live his later years as a shell of a person who gets wheeled around to autograph shows.
By Connie Lingous
July 3, 2006 10:12 PM | Link to this
Get real T-Mo.
By Eric
July 3, 2006 11:58 PM | Link to this
I’m a Holyfield fan, but he shouldn’t be fighting. Then again, who’s left in the Heavyweight division? He probably needs the money.