Boxing: Boxing: Africa Unlikely for Holyfield-Jones

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - May 14, 2003


Evander Holyfield will be close to his 41st birthday on Oct. 4, the date HBO officials may choose for the former champion to meet WBA titleholder Roy Jones. But chances are he won't be close to Africa.

Jim Thomas, Holyfield's attorney, said Tuesday all parties are continuing to work toward the fight being made in the fall, with Madison Square Garden or a Las Vegas casino serving as the most likely host. Jones' promoter reportedly expressed interesting in defending his title in Kenya, Uganda or Tanzania to help raise AIDS awareness. Raulf Tiamho, who heads a group called Africans United Against AIDS Globally (AUAAG), claims promoter Murad Muhammad has given him the go-ahead to organize the fight.

But Thomas said the chances of the fight happening in Africa are "minimal," adding, "I recall HBO being reluctant to go to China in the past because they thought security was an issue. Given the prevailing global climate, I can't see how HBO's take on those issues have changed."

There also are numerous logistical complications involved with holding the bout in Africa, as well the issue of whether a significant site fee can be secured.

Holyfield continues to rehabilitate from surgery for a torn rotator cuff, which he suffered in a loss to Chris Byrd in December. He is 2-3-2 in his past seven fights and turns 41 on Oct. 19, but continues to pursue the belts.

Why is this fight going ahead? Jones will seriously hurt him, 41 is too old to be getting into the ring. The guy can barely speak, mind you he wasn't that articulate in the first place......

I agree. Evander should have retired many years ago. I dont why he still wants to fight. It cant be about the money. Why would he want to risk his health at that age any more than he already has? Roy Jones will destroy him. If he couldn't handle Chris Byrd what makes him think he can handle Jones.

Originally posted by Ocelot
I agree. Evander should have retired many years ago. I dont why he still wants to fight. It cant be about the money. Why would he want to risk his health at that age any more than he already has? Roy Jones will destroy him. If he couldn't handle Chris Byrd what makes him think he can handle Jones.

Exactly, no disrespect to Chris Byrd, but he's no Roy Jones!

Exactly, no disrespect to Chris Byrd, but he's no Roy Jones!

Chris Byrd wishes he had half the talent Jones has.