Holyfield aims for fifth title

MOSCOW – Much of the story of Evander Holyfield’s career can be told by its numbers.

Holyfield is the only four-time heavyweight world champion and has fought 22 title bouts in 20 years since moving up as undisputed cruiserweight champ.

But when Holyfield bids for a fifth world title by challenging unbeaten WBO champion Sultan Ibragimov on Saturday, it will be only six days before his 45th birthday.

After losing a unanimous decision to journeyman Larry Donald at Madison Square Garden in 2004 for his third straight defeat, Holyfield was banned from fighting again in New York on the grounds of “diminished skills.” But following a two-year break, he went to Texas and got four straight wins to earn another title shot when WBA champion Ruslan Chagaev withdrew because of injury.

Holyfield could become the second-oldest man to win a heavyweight title behind George Foreman, who beat Michael Moorer for the WBA belt in 1994 at 45. Holyfield is adamant he deserves a chance to not only beat the 32-year-old Ibragimov but also unify the various titles.

“It shouldn’t be based on age,” Holyfield said. “If you pass a physical and can protect yourself, why not?”

Holyfield (42-8-2) had won just two of his previous nine fights before he stopped Jeremy Bates and Vincent Maddalone and won decisions over Fres Oquendo and Lou Savarese in Texas.

Ibragimov (21-0-1 with 17 knockouts) beat Shannon Briggs in June to win the WBO title 11 months after drawing with Ray Austin for the only two opponents of any repute on his record. He said Holyfield is a worthy adversary and isn’t concerned about seriously hurting him.