Boxing: Boxing: Holyfield Negotiating to Fight Roy Jones

Associated Press - June 3, 2003


Evander Holyfield says he's in negotiations to fight Roy Jones Jr. for the WBA heavyweight title on Oct. 4 at Madison Square Garden.

The 40-year-old former four-time champion told The Associated Press at an Alabama political gathering Tuesday night that negotiations for the fight are ongoing.

It would be the second straight heavyweight title fight for the aging former champion, who lost a decision to Chris Byrd for the IBF version of the title last December.

Holyfield injured his shoulder in that fight and underwent rotator cuff surgery. But he said he's healed and ready to win an unprecedented fifth title.

"It's just a matter of time," he said.

Jones moved up from light heavyweight to win the WBA heavyweight crown in March, beating John Ruiz in a 12-round decision. Holyfield emerged soon after that as Jones' most likely opponent, and there was some speculation that the fight would be held in Africa.

But Holyfield, appearing in Montgomery, Ala., at a fund-raiser for Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards, said the fight probably would be held Oct. 4 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Lennox Lewis is recognized by most in boxing as the true heavyweight champion, and he holds the WBC version of the title. He gave up the other two titles, which he won by beating Holyfield in a unification fight.

This will be an easy fight for Roy. But as always never say never. Holyfield could get a luck punch in and win it. I pick Roy for this one.

[Edited on 5-6-2003 by Ocelot]

This is not a easy one to call,holyfield has the experience but age is not on his side he also could deliver a sucker punch..Jones has improved no end..It would be a good fight and i think Jones may just edge it....

This is not a easy one to call,holyfield has the experience but age is not on his side he also could deliver a sucker punch..Jones has improved no end..It would be a good fight and i think Jones may just edge it....

All in all this should be a good fight no matter who wins.

Jones to win easily. Evander doesn't have the power to trouble Roy, he is still a good boxer though and I'd love to see the fight.