By Philip Michael Shange
Evander Holyfield’s quest to regain the heavyweight throne has been well documented.
The 48-year-old former champion wants to be the undisputed heavyweight champion again before he hangs up his gloves for good. But first he must get by the former Olympic bronze medalist Brian Nielsen on March 5.
Nielsen, who hasn’t fought since 2002, said he has something very special up his sleeve for “The Real Deal”.
“I’m going to bite his nose,” Nielsen said.
Meanwhile, a jovial Holyfield said he’ll be ready for anything the Danish pastry brings to the table – including a set of teeth.
“At least I know he’s trying to get my nose. Now if I get bit in the nose that’s my fault,” said Holyfield with a noticeable chunk still missing from his right ear.
“If I get bit in the ear, that’s not my fault because you always have your head down on the side so you never think about it. If you get bit in the nose, it’s your fault. You can see his mouth open going for your nose.”
The fight was announced at a press conference last week in Copenhagen. It’s scheduled for 12 rounds with Holyfield’s minor WBF-title at stake.
Nielsen (64-2, KO 43) has not seen any ring activity since retiring eight years ago. Despite the long layoff, Nielsen, 45, scoffed at the suggestion of being a shot fighter.
“Are you crazy? Of course, I can fight,” Nielsen said. “Surprisingly, my timing is as good as it ever was.”
Despite facing an inactive fighter coming off knee surgery, Holyfield (43-10, 28 KO) said he is not taking the Dane lightly.
“I’m not going to allow myself to be seduced into thinking that a grown man will give in to what everybody else thinks,” Holyfield said. “He’s got more to win than I do.”
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