I can’t take this today.  I know it’s a recession and all, but y’all got Evander Holyfield about to fight again!!! The 46 year old former champion says he ain’t retiring without one more shot at the title and has planned his final bout against 7-foot Russian, Nikolai Valuev.  The WBA heavyweight title fight is being planned for Dec. 20 in Zurich, Switzerland and the contracts are expected to be finalized by the end of the week. 

“I knew I would get one more shot, I just had to be patient,” said Holyfield, who turned 46 last month. “But I realized my time is running out and I’ve got to get this thing pretty soon. My whole thing, how old do you want to be when you pursue this?”

Holyfield, countering pleas from fans, media and the boxing community, has been putting off retirement until he reclaims the championship. He has not held a share of the title since losing the WBA belt to John Ruiz in March of 2001. Holyfield now says he plans to retire before the end of the next year, although he’s quick to add, “I’m not in control of my life. If the Lord says, ‘I made you heavyweight champion again and I want you to keep fighting,’ I’ll stay as long as He wants me to stay.” (Source)

Holyfield, who has faced severe financial issues with outstanding loans and child support obligations, strongly denies that he is fighting for the money. “People are always asking me, ‘Why are you keeping this going? Are you doing this for the money?’ It’s kind of odd. I had this as a goal even before I had any money problems and situations. You get tired of explaining to somebody that you’re not doing this for the money. It may look like it now, but it’s not the case.”

This dude is willing to fight a 7 FOOT RUSSIAN??? WTF? Did he not see what Drago did to Apollo Creed in Rocky IV???? I say…keep him in your prayers.