Keith Holmes Added To Holyfield-Toney Undercard

23.09 – Former middleweight champion Keith Holmes, who will continue his boxing career by moving to the 154 pound “hot” division, has been added to the October 4 James Toney vs Evander Holyfield card at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Holmes (37-3, 24KOs,) who has signed a multi-fight agreement with Goossen Tutor Promotions, and will face Jason Papillon (36-10, 24KOS) in an off-television undercard bout, is excited about his recent career move. “With everyone moving up to fight at 154 and me moving down, it will give me a natural advantage as I will be bigger and stronger than all of the top contenders and champions,” said Holmes.

Promoter Dan Goossen is excited to add Holmes to the Goossen Tutor banner. “We are extremely fortunate to have a decorated champion like Keith as part of our team,” said Goossen. “We are immediately entering the 154-pound division sweepstakes that is packed with talent but anyone’s guess as to who will eventually end up at the top. Quite frankly, I like our chances.”

The ultimate goal for Holmes is to position himself to fight the real names of the division, be it Fernando Vargas, Oscar de la Hoya, Winky Wright, or Shane Mosley. “I know I can out power, out think and out hustle any of these guys,” said Holmes. “I will fight any of them to achieve my goal of reigning in another championship title.”

In the meantime, Holmes is willing to fight off-television but still take advantage of the international and national media attention the Holyfield vs Toney fight will receive. “I am willing to fight on the undercard to show the worldwide ringside press corps that I am back in business with a better mindset than I had when I was middleweight champion,” said Holmes. “But now at 154, I’m stronger which will translate to a more aggressive style.”

Holmes, who until recently had been plagued with inactivity due to contractual problems, signed with Goossen Tutor after witnessing the brilliant job they did with resurrecting the career of James Toney. “I am convinced that Dan Goossen could do the same for me that he did for James Toney,” said Holmes. “To be able to give James a second chance and to see him champion of the world again is all the motivation I need to continue to fulfill my dream of achieving the same level of success.”

Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield against current International Boxing Federation (IBF) Cruiserweight Champion James “Lights Out” Toney in a 12-round heavyweight showdown live on pay per view, Saturday, October 4, at Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. The HOLYFIELD-TONEY pay-per-view telecast begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Goossen Tutor Promotions will present the event, which will be distributed by SHOWTIME Pay Per View and carries a suggested retail price of $44.95