David Haye vs Joe Fournier LIVE: Result and reaction

A sad spectacle comes to an unsurprising end. Belfort walks forwards unchallenged from the opening bell and unleashes a barrage of punches. The pressure causes Holyfield to slip through the ropes and, although he’s back on his feet and fine to continue, he’s dropped by a relatively lethargic combination just seconds later. After beating the count, he takes another series of punches without offering any response and the referee stops the fight. This was a dreadful show that should never have been allowed to take place.

This is Holyfield’s first fight in a decade after a career many agree continued far too long. The hall-of-famer is 58 years old and we can only hope this bout remains true to its status as an exhibition for entertainment rather than in the vein of an actual professional contest.

Holyfield walks to the ring second and the main event of this bizarre evening is finally upon us.

The two fighters are ready to make their ring walks. There will be eight two-minute rounds in this exhibition fight. Holyfield has a huge advantage in size, skill and experience, but is 14 years older than his opponent, Vitor Belfort.

A memorial 10-count is held in honour of those lives lost on 9/11 before the American national anthem is sung by D’Corey Johnson.

It may not be a typical fight night, but Michael Buffer, ever the professional, is treating it as such. First, he introduces the national anthems.

Evander Holyfield is completing his final preparations backstage and the main event is just a few minutes away. Hopefully, for the sake of the 58-year-old, he can avoid the sort of punch we just saw Silva throw.