Holyfield denies links to Internet steroid ring

Former world heavyweight boxing champion Evander Holyfield denied any links to an Internet steroid distribution ring from which authorities say he was a customer.

"I do not use steroids. I have never used steroids," said the 44-year-old US fighter who is in the midst of a comeback bid to claim the heavyweight throne for a fifth time.

Federal agents raided pharmacies in Florida and Alabama, with authorities telling the Times-Union newspaper that Holyfield used the name "Evan Fields" when placing orders from an Alabama, pharmacy.

"I'm disappointed that certain members of the media fell for this ploy and chose to use my name in headlines and publish my photo alongside stories in today's newspaper about an investigation into a practice that has nothing to do with me or what I stand for," Holyfield said.

Asked by ESPN about reports he purchased performance-enhancing drugs, Holyfield replied, "Enhance me to do what?"