When Is It Time To Throw In The Towel: Boxing Legend Evander Holyfield Still Fighting At Age 48

Photo Credit: Shelka04/Wikimedia Commons

On May 7, 2011, Boxing’s living legend and four-time heavyweight champ Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield [43-10-2-1, 28 KOs] had fought Brian Nielsen [64-2, 43 KOs] in Copenhagen, Denmark. The fight was won via TKO in Holyfield’s favor in the 10th round.

According to Yahoo.com, after winning the fight, Holyfield had a few statements:

My goal still is to be the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world,” Holyfield said. “This fight showed other champions what I am able to do, but it also taught me I got to be better. The most important is that I didn’t quit. I am not a quitter.”

Before the bout in May, Holyfield’s last fight was in January against Sherman Williams. After three rounds, an accidental head butt occurred between both boxers, which caused the fight to be ruled a “no-contest.”

For those of you who do not know the meaning of a “no-contest,” it simply has to deal with a fight that ends for other reasons in which both boxers fighting have no control of. In this case, it was Holyfield’s cut in his eye that prompted the decision.

At age 48, Evander Holyfield has stated that the boxing icon will still continue to fight in the ring with the goal of winning more fights and taking more belts from his opponents. Some boxing fans perceive Holyfield’s dedication as a sign of bravery and honor for the sport, while others completely have no idea why the boxer is still fighting today.

At first glance, this amazing story seems to be a classic case of just another boxer who cannot let go of the sport he once dominated. You can also make an argument that this is the only way for Holyfield to make income, which forces the boxer to keep fighting until the wheels fall off.

Regardless of the reason for Holyfield’s actions, the old veteran still wants to fight and surprisingly feels younger every time he steps into the ring. Currently, he has not yet experienced a devastating loss. If it were to happen anytime soon, that knockout punch should wake him up and urge him to finally throw in the towel.

To be fair to Evander Holyfield, his last opponent Brian Nielsen had never got knocked out in 200 fights. As mentioned, the fight between both fighters ended in a technical knockout giving Holyfield the victory. Not bad for someone who is supposedly considered “washed up.”

After winning the fight on May 7th, Evander Holyfield hopes to get a championship title shot with other top-notch boxers. Old or not, if somehow Holyfield finds a way to win, then no one should ever question the man’s motives. Ever!