Valuev beats Evander Holyfield by majority decision
Nikolai Valuev, the 7-foot Russian, scored a majority decision over Evander Holyfield in Zurich, Switzerland to retain the WBA heavyweight title. Yes, majority decision, which means one judge scored it a draw and the other two scored it for Valuev.
The two judges who scored the fight for Valuev (50-1) had it 116-112 and 115-114. Hardly a ringing endorsement for the champion. The judge who scored it a draw saw it, 114-114. Slow and ponderous, this was the only type of heavyweight that the 46-year-old Holyfield had any chance of beating. And he almost did it. Holyfield was seeking to win a portion of the heavyweight title for a fifth time. Given that he was competitive in this bout, it is likely that he will continue boxing.
"Of course I am disappointed," Holyfield (42-10-2) told the Associated Press. "I thought I had done enough to get the win. Now I have to go home and think about my future."
And while we previously admonished Holyfield for returning to the ring, you almost can't blame him given the state of the heavyweight division. The fact that Valuev didn't score a decisive victory may only inspire Holyfield to fight again. Which is sad news.
It would be interesting to see Valuez fight either one of the Klitschko brothers in a unification bout. Here is hoping that Wladimir and Vitali take the high and do not indulge in any kind of talk regarding a possible fight against Evander. Sure, Evander brings more dollars and interest than Valuev, but it would also bring further embarrassment to a sport that is trying to remain relevant.
It's time for Evander to retire and await his induction into the boxing hall of fame.
-- CASSIDY
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