Holyfield vs Belfort LIVE: Result and reaction as Donald Trump commentates on bizarre fights
Relive all the action from a strange night at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Relive all the action from a bizarre night of boxing as Evander Holyfield returned to the ring at 58 years old in a heavyweight exhibition bout against former UFC champion Vitor Belfort.
‘The Real Deal’, one of boxing’s all-time greats, retired a decade ago but was lured back through the ropes as a late replacement for Oscar De La Hoya. Many had questioned if the fight should be allowed to go ahead, with the California State Athletic Commission refusing to sanction the bout, however, a late change of venue to Florida meant it proceeded regardless of those concerns. Adding further to the strange spectacle, Donald Trump provided commentary on the broadcast.
Belfort, who amassed a 26-14 record in a decorated MMA career, had promised to savour the occasion. “Minute by minute, second by second. Just focus on what I control, that’s all I do. Be able to enjoy every moment,” he said ahead of the bout. “Boxing is a passion of mine for a long time and I’ve been applying it in a different field. Now I’ll be able to enjoy it against one of the greatest in the world so I couldn’t ask for a better opponent.” Relive all the action live below:
Evander Holyfield stopped in first round of sad spectacle
The 58-year-old all-time great was floored by Vitor Belfort in a dispiriting exhibition bout
Belfort stops Holyfield in first round
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 and Belfort in the ring
Holyfield walks to the ring second and the main event of this bizarre evening is finally upon us.
Fighters prepare to make ring walks
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.
Buffer makes ring introductions
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.
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