by James Slater: Legendary four-time heavyweight ruler Evander Holyfield is still not ready to quit the ring. Now aged 47 ( Evander will be 48 in October), and coming off his tougher-than-expected win over fellow veteran Frans Botha, Holyfield is close to signing a deal to face 37-year-old Sherman Williams in Detroit. Williams, 34-11-2(19) and known as “The Tank” is down on Boxrec.com as facing the former Olympian and undisputed cruiserweight king on November 5th.
And, according to Holyfield manager Ken Sanders (as quoted by Secondsout.com), the plan is for a victorious “Real Deal” to then face WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko; some time early next year.
“We haven’t got all the paperwork signed yet [for Holyfield-Williams], but they’re going to close out the arena this weekend, and we’re going to work on the under-card next week,” Sanders said. “Hopefully it will be Vitali [next]. I’ve already talked to Jose Sulaiman, and he’s already said he would approve Holyfield to fight.”
So, as crazy as it may be, Holyfield, now 43-10-2(28) and having boxed as a pro since way back in 1984, could be one win away from another crack at a world title. Holyfield actually won a “world” title against Botha back in April. Trailing on points, the former great rallied to score an 8th-round TKO, in so doing picking up the lightly regarded WBF heavyweight strap. Now, against journeyman Williams, Holyfield will make his first defence.
Williams, from The Bahamas, is a hard puncher and even though he has lost eleven of his 47 pro outings he has only been stopped once – way back in 1999 when Robert Davis TKO’d him in the 5th-round. “The Tank” lost his last fight – on points to Manuel Charr last October – but before that ten-round UD loss he had won nine in a row. Williams has also been in with some big names in his time. The 5’11” 37-year-old who weighs in at around 250-260-pounds these days held Jameel McCline to a draw back in 2000, he has a win over former IBF cruiser champ Al Cole, and Williams has also been in with Ruslan Chagaev, losing on points in 2005.
A durable sort then, and a dangerous puncher, at least at a certain level (Williams’ best KO wins have been against so-so opposition), Holyfield’s next foe could give the ageing warrior a tough night. However, as tough a night as Williams may give Holyfield, it will be nothing compared to what Vitali Klitschko will do to Evander should this talked-of match-up take place.
Holyfield should have enough left to be able to defeat Williams (probably on points), but he faces serious injury if he gets in there with the rock-chinned, sledgehammer-punching Klitschko. Perhaps Williams will do all fans of Holyfield a favour and score the upset in November, thus preventing the inevitable beatdown.
Holyfield is one stubborn man, and he seems intent on fighting on until he either scores one of the most astonishing comebacks since the great George Foreman, or until he is given the worst beating of his boxing life. I think most fans would agree it will be the latter scenario that unfolds should Evander climb into the ring with “Dr. Iron Fist.”
What is Jose Sulaiman thinking?!