By Phil D. Jay

Damian Michael, CEO of Showpony Promotions and organiser of the Cape Town bill, has told WBN that the two former champions have signed on for a four-round exhibition contest and other big names have also been offered places on the card.

“Holyfield has signed the contract and he will be up against Ray mercer in a four rounder in honour of Mr. Mandela and I am currently waiting on Roy Jones Jr to sign on the dotted line,” Michael told World Boxing News.

“I am also awaiting Steve Cunningham’s signature (at heavyweight) as we have spoken, but I still need to tie up some loose ends.

“We have invited George Foreman as well as my ambassador and announcer Michael Buffer."

One fighter touted for the bill that looks unlikely though is Rugby star-turned fighter Sonny Bill Williams as Michael stated that a TV network commitment in his native New Zealand has prevented him from taking part.

“Sonny Bill Williams has to finish his deal with Sky New Zealand, but I am happy so far. This is more than a boxing event. This is about Africa and the greatest of them all, Nelson Mandela,” he added.

In the main event, IBO welterweight champion Chris Van Heeden will face Matthew Hatton.

Phil D. Jay covers boxing for worldboxingnews.net