Former heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield is using George Foreman’s comeback more than 15 years ago as inspiration after notching his latest victory on Saturday.
The 47-year-old Holyfield (43-10-2, 28 KOs) won by TKO against 41-year-old Frans Botha with 2:05 left in the eighth round.
Holyfield had knocked down the South African 31 seconds earlier with a right to the chin.
PHOTO: AFP
Botha (47-5-3) beat referee Russell Mora’s count, but Mora then stopped the fight with the South African backed into a corner, giving Holyfield the lightly regarded World Boxing Federaton heavyweight title.
“I’m going to be the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world,” Holyfield said.
Two judges, Jerry Roth and Glenn Feldman, had Botha ahead 67-66 when the fight was stopped. The other judge, Herb Santee, had it 69-64 for Holyfield.
“I’m happy Botha gave me an opportunity,” Holyfield said. “When people talk about you, it’s who I fought. I fought the best.”
There were only 3,127 people at the Thomas & Mack Center, most rooting for Holyfield in his first fight since Dec. 20, 2008, when he lost a majority decision to Nikolay Valuev.
“George Foreman said, ‘It’s not about my age,’” Holyfield said, referring to what the former champ said back in the 1990s. “He became heavyweight champion of the world.”
In the second round, Holyfield briefly lost his balance, stumbling into a corner after a right from Botha with 2:04 left.
“[Holyfield has] got the skills. He’s got the determination,” Botha said. “He landed his shots. He’s a true warrior. I didn’t feel ashamed losing to a great champion like him.”
At the post-fight press conference, it was mentioned Holyfield would like to fight one of the Klitschko brothers, who hold three of the four major heavyweight belts. Wladimir Klitschko holds two titles, while Vitali holds one.
Early on, Botha was warned by the referee twice in the first three rounds for hitting behind the head. Botha was also warned in the first round for a double hit to the head during a clinch.
This was Holyfield’s first fight in Las Vegas since 2003, when he lost to James Toney at Mandalay Bay.
Before Saturday, Holyfield was only 10-6 in Las Vegas, including the infamous ear-biting incident against Mike Tyson in 1997, when he won by disqualification.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely