Holyfield to Challenge for Belt in Moscow

44-year-old to meet Ibragimov in bid for 5th heavyweight crown
By Joseph Fasano
Posted Aug 3, 2007 6:29 AM CDT
Holyfield to Challenge for Belt in Moscow
Heavyweight boxer Evander Holyfield looks at the punching mitts of trainer Ronnie Shields during a workout Monday, June 25, 2007, in El Paso, Texas. Holyfield, a four-time heavyweight champion, is preparing for his fight against Lou Savarese in El Paso on June 30. (AP Photo/El Paso Times, Victor Calzada)   (Associated Press)

Forty-four-year-old Evander Holyfield will challenge for his fifth heavyweight crown on October 13 against WBO champ Sultan Ibragimov. The Moscow bout was slated to feature Ibragimov and WBA champ Ruslan Chagaev, who withdrew for undisclosed reasons. Holyfield, who downed Lou Savarese in June, says he's ready to unify the heavyweight division ttile.

"I truly believe that it's something that can inspire the young people," says Holyfield (48-8-2, 27 KOs). Ibragimov (21-0-1) is a formidable young force, though Holyfield says experience will be a factor. "Nobody knows who he is," says the challenger. "I'm happy to be on my way to bring this home." (More Evander Holyfield stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X