Posted by Sabrina B. @gametimegirl
Former four-time heavyweight titleholder Evander Holyfield’s fight with Brian Nielsen has been postponed for two months until May 7 because of the cut Holyfield suffered in his last fight, promoter Sauerland Event announced Thursday.
Holyfield, long past his prime but fighting on at age 48, was scheduled to meet Danish national hero Nielsen (64-2, 43 KOs), who turns 46 in April and has not fought in nine years, on March 5 in Copenhagen.
However, Holyfield took an interim bout against Sherman Williams on Jan. 22 and suffered a cut over his left eye as the result of an accidental head butt. The bout was stopped after the third round and ruled a no contest, although Williams was dominating Holyfield, who did not appear to want to continue.
Sauerland Event said the cut had kept Holyfield (43-10-2, 28 KOs) out of training “longer than originally anticipated.”
“I had hoped to be fully fit to fight Brian on March 5 but after another close examination this week the doctor said I could not do sparring until the end of the month,” said Holyfield, who is due to earn $500,000 against Nielsen. “My good physical shape and my meticulous preparation have been my biggest advantages throughout my career, and I will not enter the ring against a determined opponent like Nielsen when I am not 100 percent prepared.
“I take Nielsen very seriously. I need a convincing victory to put myself back in line for another shot at the world title, so I will give the cut enough time to heal before resuming practice. I will be in top shape on May 7 and defeat Brian Nielsen.”
Written by Dan Rafael covers boxing for ESPN.com. Follow him on Twitter & Full Story HERE