HE REFERS to himself as the ?Real Deal?. But the real deal is that he is old and decrepit. He?s more of a ?Done Deal? actually.
But Evander Holyfield would have none of that and this Sunday he will face unbeaten Sultan Ibragimov for the latter?s WBO heavyweight title. At 44 years of age, and with a record of 42 wins, 8 losses, and 2 draws, he is attempting the impossible.
His legendary contemporaries, Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson, have since gone to pasture. But Holyfield soldiers on in his quest for an unprecedented fifth world title.
DRUG. The fight game has been likened to an addiction most fighters cannot beat. They just don?t know when and how to stop.
?This is the drug of the sport. There?s always somebody to fight. I realized that I don?t want to get caught up in it. There has to be time at which I should gracefully bow out?, said former undisputed Lennox Lewis in his retirement speech.
Today, Lewis is happily retired and enjoying a quiet, family life. Having millions of dollars in the bank account doesn?t hurt either. Lucky for him, he knew when to get out.
WIN STREAK. After three consecutive losses against top tier heavyweights such as James Toney, Chris Byrd and Larry Donald, Holyfield will be entering this bout with a four-fight win streak against marginal opposition.
A knockout win over punching bag Jeremy Bates, decision wins over former contender Fres Oquendo and fellow dinosaur Lou Savarese and a TKO win over slugger Vinny Madallone.
But is it enough?
Holyfield complains that he is being unfairly singled out. After all, old man Bernard Hopkins is still beating the younger fellas.
Well, for one thing Hopkins is three years younger. But here lies the difference. Hopkins hasn?t really shown signs of slowing down. He has been consistent in his performances and there are some who even opine that he has only gotten better with age.
If you have followed Holyfield?s career since the 80?s and 90?s you will recall that he was once a pretty sight to watch. Light on his feet, with excellent boxing skills for a heavyweight, he bulldozed through the heavyweight ranks, beating the likes of James Buster Douglas, Riddick Bowe and Mike Tyson.
But sadly, Holyfield?s skills have eroded over the years. He still has his power?it?s always the last to go?but he moves around the ring like a convict in chains. His reflexes and skills have diminished and deteriorated to a point that it?s become too painful to watch.
Ibragimov is a young champion with a record of 21-0 with 17 KOs. He is a busy puncher with power in both hands. In today?s diluted heavyweight ranks, he hasn?t faced enough world-class opponents. The best names on his menu are Shannon Briggs and Lance Whitaker.
But these days it doesn?t take much to beat an Evander Holyfield. I hope Ibragimov retires Holyfield for the latter?s own sake.
DIAZ WINS. Here?s a guaranteed prediction for today. J. Diaz will win the WBO lightweight title. Well actually, you can?t go wrong with such a prediction when it?s Julio Diaz facing Juan Diaz. It?s a TV commentator?s nightmare.
Juan is undefeated with a record of 32-0 (16KOs), Julio is 34-3 with 25 KOs. It?s the best fight that can be made at lightweight today. And the winner of this fight will definitely be a possible future opponent for Manny Pacquiao.
The Last Round is picking Juan ?Baby Bull? Diaz to win via TKO before the eight round. Although Julio is the bigger puncher, Juan?s hand speed and pressure will be too much for Julio.
THE LAST ROUND. It?s on lovely couple Jerry and Fatima Young, proud owners of Spatchcock Restaurant. Indeed, a cold beer and a juicy steak is the best one-two combo out there. Cheers!
